Pakistan launches deadly airstrikes on Afghanistan

On Thursday, Pakistan conducted airstrikes on two provinces in neighboring Afghanistan, with conflicting casualty reports. The Taliban government in Kabul reported that at least nine civilians, all women and children, were killed, while 11 others sustained injuries. Pakistan's authorities, however, claimed that 22 militants were killed in the strikes. Independent verification of both casualty counts could not be confirmed.

This is not the first such incident between the two countries since cross-border tensions escalated earlier this year. The Afghan government spokesman condemned the airstrikes, labeling them as an act of aggression and a crime that violated universally accepted principles. In contrast, Pakistani authorities asserted that the airstrikes were well-planned and precise, with maximum precautions taken to avoid collateral damage.

The strikes mark the third time in the past two weeks that Pakistan has targeted Afghan locations. Escalating tensions since the Taliban took power in 2021 culminated in open conflict last year. While Islamabad accuses the Taliban government of harboring militants who launch attacks across the border, Afghanistan denies these allegations.

Pakistan has closed its border crossings with Afghanistan, a country heavily reliant on foreign food and humanitarian aid. The United Nations reported that over 1,100 civilians had been killed or injured due to the cross-border conflict this year. Pakistan maintains that it does not target civilians.