Kabul – Afghan authorities confirmed that at least three civilians were killed and several others wounded after a series of airstrikes hit residential areas in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Paktika. Pakistan, for its part, maintains that the strikes were aimed at suspected militant hideouts linked to the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Details of the attacks
According to Afghan officials, the main blast occurred in the Nurgal district of Kunar province just before dawn, around 03:00 local time. A multi‑storey dwelling was struck, collapsing part of the structure and leaving three people dead while injuring a number of neighbours. The victims have been identified as civilians, and the damage to the building was described as extensive.
In the neighbouring Paktika province, Pakistani jets reportedly targeted two sites in the Barmal district – a small shop and an empty house. Local reports indicate that the structures suffered damage but no casualties were recorded there.
Pakistan’s justification
Pakistani security officials asserted that the operation was directed at “suspected militant positions” belonging to the TTP, a group Islamabad accuses of using Afghan soil to launch attacks across the border. Pakistani statements claim that 28 militants were killed in the strikes.
Afghan authorities, however, dispute these figures, emphasizing the civilian toll in Kunar and questioning the credibility of Pakistan’s casualty count.
Recent violence in Pakistan
The airstrikes came on the heels of two high‑profile attacks on Pakistani security forces in the north‑western region. A suicide assault on a police compound in Kohat left more than 20 dead and over a hundred injured, while a separate assault in Hangu killed six security personnel. Although no group immediately claimed responsibility, the TTP has been widely suspected.
In response, Islamabad warned that it could target militant bases inside Afghanistan if Kabul does not take “credible and verifiable” steps to curb cross‑border attacks.
Afghan reaction
The Taliban‑run government in Kabul condemned the strikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty. Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid called the attacks “unacceptable” and reiterated that the reported victims were civilians. Kabul denied that it permits any militant organizations to operate from its territory against Pakistan.
The TTP factor
The Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan remains a flashpoint in Islamabad‑Kabul relations. While Pakistan views the TTP as a direct security threat, the Afghan Taliban insists that it does not shelter the group and that any claim to the contrary is unfounded. Despite being separate entities, the two movements share ideological roots, fueling mutual distrust.
Border dynamics
Underlying the latest strikes are long‑standing disputes over the Durand Line. Afghanistan has historically contested the border’s legitimacy, whereas Pakistan treats it as the official frontier. Sporadic exchanges of fire and accusations of security breaches have become a recurring feature of the bilateral relationship.
Regional diplomatic efforts
China, Qatar and Turkey have all engaged in mediation attempts aimed at de‑escalating tensions between the neighbours. While diplomatic channels remain open, the recent cross‑border attacks have reignited concerns about a broader escalation.
Outlook
The immediate question is whether Islamabad will pursue further military actions or whether diplomatic pressure will compel both sides to return to the negotiating table. For now, the eastern Afghan provinces remain on edge, and any new developments will hinge on the responses of Kabul, Islamabad and the militant groups at the heart of the dispute.
