Authorities in Afghanistan have accused Pakistan of conducting air strikes across its eastern and southern border regions, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people. The incidents occurred in the provinces of Kunar and Helmand, with ten others reported injured.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Afghan government, stated that the attacks took place late on Wednesday. He emphasized that all those killed in the strikes were non-combatants, specifically women and children.
In a statement posted on the platform X, Mujahid confirmed that the bombings destroyed three residential structures in the affected areas. He condemned the actions as an act of aggression and a violation of established international principles.
As of Thursday morning, there had been no immediate response from Pakistani officials regarding the allegations.
The reported casualties mark a significant rise in hostilities between the two neighbors, ending a period of relative calm that had lasted for approximately three months. Tensions have historically flared due to accusations from Islamabad that Kabul is providing sanctuary to armed groups responsible for cross-border attacks on Pakistani territory. The Afghan government has consistently denied these claims, characterizing the issue as an internal matter for Pakistan to resolve.
Will Pakistan comment this time? The silence is deafening given how quickly tensions have flared again.
Just nine civilians killed? After months of relative calm? This escalation is terrifying and completely unacceptable.