Afghanistan reports new Pakistani strikes, claims 13 killed including children

Afghanistan's government has accused Pakistan of violating its airspace and bombing civilian homes, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people, including children. The Taliban government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, reported the strikes on "X," detailing casualties in the Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces.

An official in Khost province, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed that a house in the Spera district was hit, killing nine people and injuring ten. Residents in the neighboring Paktika province also reported that three civilians, identified as children, died in a separate attack in the Barmalo district.

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Pakistani military once again violated Afghanistan's airspace last night and bombed civilian homes in Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces.

Pakistan's military and prime minister's office have not yet commented. However, Islamabad has previously stated that its strikes in Afghanistan target militants responsible for attacks within Pakistan and that it does not intentionally target civilians. These recent strikes are the deadliest in weeks, occurring after a period of relative border calm that followed a significant escalation in late February.

The conflict has strained relations between the two countries since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Pakistan demands that Afghanistan curb the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group, which it accuses the Taliban government of harboring. Afghan officials deny these accusations, claiming Pakistan shelters hostile groups and disrespects their sovereignty. The border has been largely closed since October, halting bilateral trade.

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Due to these attacks, 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man were killed.