Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan Kill 10 Civilians, Taliban Vows Retaliatio

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated. Pakistani airstrikes hit three Afghan provinces overnight. The Taliban government reports ten civilians are dead.

The victims include nine children and one woman. The new violence threatens a fragile, internationally-brokered ceasefire.

Details of the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict Strike

The airstrikes occurred on Tuesday night. They targeted the provinces of Khost, Paktika, and Kunar. Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the attacks.

According to Reuters, he called the strikes a “blatant violation.” He stated Afghanistan has the “legitimate right” to defend itself. A necessary response will be delivered at an appropriate time.

The attack in Khost province bombed a civilian home. This is where the nine children and one woman were killed. Four other people were injured in the separate strikes.

Broader Impact and Regional Stability

Pakistan has not officially commented on the incident. This silence deepens the diplomatic crisis. The strikes occur while a Qatar and Turkey-mediated ceasefire was holding.

The timing is highly significant. It follows a major attack in Pakistan on Monday. Suicide bombers hit a constabulary headquarters in Peshawar.

That attack killed three officers. The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is suspected. This group is separate from but allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban.

Many TTP leaders are believed to be hiding in Afghanistan. This creates ongoing friction. Cross-border clashes also erupted last month over similar drone strikes.

The situation remains volatile, with the latest Pakistan Afghanistan conflict posing a severe test to regional diplomacy and stability.

Info at your fingertips

What areas were hit by the airstrikes?

The strikes targeted three eastern Afghan provinces. These are Khost, Paktika, and Kunar. The civilian casualties were reported in Khost.

Who is the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)?

The TTP is a separate militant group from the Afghan Taliban. It is an ally of the Afghan Taliban. The group is believed to be behind attacks inside Pakistan.

Was there a ceasefire in place?

Yes, a ceasefire was brokered in October. It was mediated by Qatar and Turkey. This recent strike violates that truce.

How has Pakistan responded to the allegations?

Pakistan has not yet issued an official statement. The government has not confirmed or denied conducting the airstrikes. This lack of response is increasing tensions.

Why are relations so strained between the two countries?

Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP militants. Afghanistan denies these claims. This leads to repeated cross-border military actions and accusations.