Afghanistan Says 11 Children Among 13 Killed In Fresh Pakistan Strikes

At least 13 people, including 11 children, were killed in fresh airstrikes reportedly carried out by Pakistan in eastern Afghanistan, according to Afghan authorities, marking a renewed escalation in cross-border tensions between the two neighbours. The Taliban administration said the strikes hit multiple locations across Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces late on Wednesday.

Taliban chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the strikes resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children, and caused widespread damage in affected areas. According to Afghan officials cited by international news agencies, among the dead were 11 children, one woman, and an elderly man. At least 14 others were reported injured in the attacks, though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed as authorities continue to gather information from remote districts.

Pakistan has not officially acknowledged carrying out the strikes, and no immediate statement has been issued by its military or government regarding the incident. The absence of confirmation has added to uncertainty over the operational details and intent behind the reported airstrikes. The latest escalation comes amid already heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have witnessed periodic cross-border violence in recent months.

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Both sides have previously engaged in retaliatory strikes, leading to casualties on either side of the border despite intermittent efforts at de-escalation. Earlier this year, a brief ceasefire was reportedly brokered with the involvement of third-party diplomatic channels, including China, after a series of deadly exchanges. However, the agreement has remained fragile, with repeated incidents threatening to undermine stability along the border region.

In April, Pakistan reportedly carried out strikes inside Afghanistan that killed at least seven people and injured dozens more, including in civilian areas. The latest incident raises concerns of further deterioration in relations between the two countries, particularly in already volatile border provinces where civilian populations continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.

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