Pakistan Denies Afghanistan’s Claims of Deadly Cross-Border Airstrikes

Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of launching deadly airstrikes on Tuesday. The strikes reportedly hit three eastern provinces, killing civilians. Pakistan’s military immediately denied carrying out any such operation. This incident escalates ongoing tensions between the two neighboring nations.

The accusations come just over a month after similar cross-border clashes raised regional alarm. According to Reuters, the situation remains volatile despite a ceasefire brokered in October.

Conflicting Accounts Emerge from the Border Region

Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Afghan government, stated the strikes occurred overnight. He claimed a home in Khost province was bombed, killing nine children and one woman. He also reported additional strikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces that injured four people.

Mujahid condemned the actions as “atrocities” and a violation of Afghan territory. He warned that Afghanistan reserves the right to respond at an appropriate time. Pakistan’s military spokesperson, however, offered a firm rebuttal.

Army spokesperson Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry stated Pakistan does not target civilians. He reiterated that the country acknowledges its military actions, which he said target militant hideouts. This denial was issued during a news briefing in Rawalpindi.

Regional Diplomacy and Local Fallout

The reported strikes threaten a fragile ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey. There was no immediate comment from these mediators. Meanwhile, Iran has offered to help defuse the escalating situation.

Iran’s security council secretary met with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister in Islamabad on Tuesday. This was a previously scheduled visit, but the timing is significant. The meeting aimed to address the rising border tensions.

In Khost, locals described a scene of devastation. A tribal leader said a drone destroyed a poor civilian’s home around midnight. He emphasized the victim was not involved with any government or militant activity.

Thought you’d like to know-

What did Afghanistan accuse Pakistan of?

Afghanistan accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in three eastern provinces. The Taliban government claimed these strikes killed ten people, mostly children. They labeled the action a violation of their territory.

How did Pakistan respond to the allegations?

Pakistan’s military firmly denied conducting any cross-border strikes. A spokesperson stated the country does not target civilians. He said Pakistan publicly acknowledges its counter-terrorism operations.

What is the status of the ceasefire?

The Qatar and Turkey-brokered ceasefire from October was still holding as of Tuesday. The new accusations, however, pose a direct threat to this truce. No mediators have issued an immediate public statement.

How have border tensions affected trade?

All border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been shut for over a month. This closure has completely stalled bilateral trade. It has also prevented people from traveling to meet relatives.

Which militant group is central to this dispute?

The Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is a key point of contention. Pakistan alleges the TTP operates from Afghan soil to launch attacks. The Afghan Taliban government denies providing them sanctuary.