At Least 19 killed, Several Injured as Pakistan Launches Airstrikes in Afghanistan

June 10, 2026

Kabul/New Delhi: Pakistan carried out airstrikes on targets in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces on Wednesday, escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries amid months of cross-border clashes and security concerns.

According to Afghan Taliban authorities, the strikes targeted areas in Khost, Paktika and Kunar provinces, resulting in multiple casualties, including civilians. Pakistan, however, reportedly described the operation as a strike against militant infrastructure and camps operating near the border region.

Taliban Alleges Civilian Deaths

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government claimed that at least 19 people were killed and 14 others injured in the attacks.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s airspace and targeting civilian homes.

“As a result of these attacks, 11 children, one woman and one elderly man were killed,” Mujahid said in a statement posted on social media platform X.

The Afghan administration condemned the strikes, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and calling the action a “humanitarian crime” and an “act of aggression.”

Cross-Border Tensions Continue to Rise

The latest strikes mark another chapter in the deteriorating relationship between Islamabad and Kabul, with both sides exchanging accusations over militant activity along their shared border.

Since February, tensions have intensified following a series of military confrontations and retaliatory attacks. Security concerns along the porous frontier have remained a major source of friction between the two countries.

Analysts warn that continued military exchanges could further destabilise the region and increase the risk of a broader conflict.

Months of Deadly Clashes

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained in recent months, with both countries blaming each other for failing to prevent cross-border militant attacks.

The current cycle of violence intensified after Afghanistan allegedly launched retaliatory attacks following earlier Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory. Since then, multiple incidents along the border have resulted in casualties on both sides.

Security experts say the border region remains vulnerable due to the presence of various militant groups operating in remote and mountainous areas.

Pakistan’s Earlier Allegations Against Afghanistan

Amid the ongoing tensions, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghan-based militant groups of carrying out attacks inside its territory. Afghan authorities have denied the allegations and accused Islamabad of attempting to shift blame for its internal security challenges.

Last year, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged that elements within the Afghan Taliban were acting in support of interests hostile to Pakistan, a claim rejected by Afghan officials.

Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions have so far yielded limited results, with both sides continuing to exchange accusations over security and border management issues.

Regional Stability Under Watch

The latest airstrikes are expected to draw international attention as concerns grow over stability in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region.

Observers warn that further military escalation could have significant implications for regional security, particularly at a time when both countries are grappling with economic challenges and persistent security threats.

With tensions showing little sign of easing, regional and international stakeholders are likely to closely monitor developments in the coming days.