Afghanistan says 3 killed in Pakistani airstrikes: Why tensions are rising again

According to Afghan officials, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in northeastern Afghanistan on Monday, resulting in civilian casualties. The Taliban government in Kabul reported that three people were killed, claiming Pakistan targeted civilian homes. However, Pakistani security officials cited conflicting numbers, stating that 28 suspected militants were killed.

Afghan deputy government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed the strikes took place in Kunar and Paktika provinces, detailing the locations and casualties. No official statement has been released by Pakistan regarding the airstrikes. These strikes come after a violent incident in Kohat, Pakistan, where a suicide bombing and a prolonged gun battle between militants and police left at least 31 dead, including 16 police officers.

The militant group Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen, linked to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been high since the Taliban regained power in 2021, leading to a three-month period of relative calm before recent intensified clashes. Pakistan declared an "open war" with Afghanistan after an increase in militant attacks within its borders.

Afghanistan retaliated with strikes after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghan territory, escalating the cross-border conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups that launch attacks across the border, mainly the TTP and Baloch separatist factions. However, the Taliban has rejected these claims, stating that militancy in Pakistan is an internal issue.