Taliban government on Tuesday accused Pakistan of conducting overnight airstrikes on Afghan soil that killed at least ten civilians, including nine children (five boys and four girls) and one woman, in Khost province, with four additional civilians wounded in separate attacks on Kunar and Paktika provinces.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid described the raids as an act of aggression by “Pakistani invading forces” that deliberately targeted a civilian residence, labelling the victims “martyrs.” Pakistani military spokespersons and government officials have so far declined to comment on the allegations or confirm any operation.

The bombardment followed Monday’s suicide attack on the Federal Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar that killed three Pakistani security personnel and injured eleven others. Islamabad swiftly pointed fingers at Afghan nationals and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it routinely accuses of planning and executing attacks from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan under Taliban protection.

Also Read: Taliban Offers $1Bn Trade Deal to India as Pakistan Route Completely Collapses

Relations between the two countries, already severely strained since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, have deteriorated further after deadly border clashes last month claimed around seventy lives on both sides. A fragile ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey is now under severe pressure, with security concerns, particularly Pakistan’s demand that Kabul dismantle TTP networks, remaining the principal stumbling block.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has warned that thousands of cargo containers remain stranded at closed or restricted border crossings, incurring daily losses of $150–$200 per container, intensifying the economic fallout from the rapidly worsening diplomatic and military confrontation.

Also Read: Afghan Minister’s New Delhi Visit Signals Deepening India–Taliban Economic Engagement