Pakistani airstrikes kill nine in Afghanistan, Taliban say

Pakistan launched airstrikes overnight on Afghanistan, targeting two provinces, according to reports from both countries on Thursday. The Taliban government in Kabul reported at least nine civilians, all women and children, were killed, while Pakistani authorities claimed 22 militants were killed. The casualty figures could not be independently verified.

The Afghan government spokesman stated that three civilian homes in the southern province of Helmand and the eastern province of Kunar, which borders Pakistan, were hit, resulting in nine deaths and 11 injuries. Local residents reported three bombs striking their village, with no indication of military presence. Pakistan's government condemned the act, calling it an act of aggression and a crime that violates universally accepted principles.

The Ministry of Information in Islamabad stated that the strikes were well-planned and precise, with maximum precautions taken to avoid collateral damage. This marks the third time in the past two weeks that Pakistan has targeted targets in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban seized power in 2021, tensions between the two countries have been high, leading to open conflict last year.

Pakistan accuses the Taliban government in Kabul of harboring militants who carry out attacks across the border, an allegation Afghanistan denies. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 civilians in Afghanistan so far this year. Pakistan insists that its actions are targeted at terrorist hubs and do not target civilians.