Pakistan airstrikes on Afghanistan kill 13, including children, Taliban say

Pakistan launched airstrikes along its border with Afghanistan, targeting militant groups it claims are operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad stated the "targeted and measured raids" destroyed four objectives, including a training center and an ammunition cache, resulting in the deaths of 26 militants. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that while Pakistan seeks regional peace, the security of its citizens is paramount.

Afghanistan's Taliban government vehemently condemned the strikes, reporting that 13 people, including 11 children, a woman, and an elderly man, were killed. Kabul accused Pakistan of hitting targets in the provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktika. The Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid rejected Pakistan's accusations of harboring militant groups, asserting that Afghan territory is not used to threaten other countries.

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Pakistan seeks to maintain peace and stability in the region, but the security of our citizens remains our highest priority.

This exchange marks the first major escalation in tensions since February, when border clashes resulted in numerous casualties. The two nations had previously agreed to a ceasefire in October. The recent strikes have disrupted a period of relative calm in the volatile border region, raising concerns about renewed instability.

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The Taliban government rejects Pakistan's accusations that it provides sanctuary to armed organizations carrying out attacks on Pakistani territory.