Pakistan Strikes Afghan Provinces; Taliban Reports Civilian Deaths

March 13, 2026

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply after Pakistan reportedly carried out airstrikes across several Afghan provinces. According to Taliban officials, the attacks targeted locations in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika, leading to casualties among civilians, including women and children.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the strikes caused damage to residential areas and civilian infrastructure. Afghan authorities condemned the attacks as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes.

Pakistan has not immediately issued an official response to these specific allegations, though tensions between the two neighbours have been rising for weeks due to ongoing border clashes and militant violence.

Civilian Casualties Reported

Local officials and Taliban representatives claimed that several civilians were killed, and many others injured during the strikes. Some reports said at least four people were killed and more than a dozen injured in the attacks on urban areas, including the Afghan capital Kabul.

The Taliban government said residential homes were hit during the overnight bombardment, and emergency teams were deployed to rescue victims from damaged buildings.

In Kandahar, a strike reportedly hit a fuel depot belonging to a private airline near the airport, raising fears about further escalation and damage to civilian infrastructure.

However, casualty figures remain difficult to verify independently because of limited access to some of the affected areas.

Part of Escalating Cross-Border Conflict

The latest strikes are seen as part of the ongoing military confrontation between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. The two sides have been engaged in repeated clashes along the 2,600-kilometre border, with both accusing each other of supporting militant groups operating across the frontier.

Pakistan has previously said it carried out airstrikes targeting camps belonging to militant organisations such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP). Pakistani authorities argue that these groups launch attacks from Afghan territory into Pakistan.

The Taliban government has repeatedly denied these allegations and insists that it does not allow Afghan soil to be used against neighbouring countries.

Rising Regional Instability

The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified in recent weeks, with both sides reporting casualties and destruction along the border. United Nations estimates suggest that over 100,000 people have been displaced due to the escalating violence.

The fighting represents one of the most serious confrontations between the two countries since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated significantly as both governments exchange accusations over militant activities and cross-border attacks.

Calls for Dialogue and De-Escalation

The international community has urged both sides to show restraint and resolve the dispute through dialogue. Countries such as China have attempted to mediate between the two governments in an effort to prevent the conflict from expanding further.

Analysts warn that continued military escalation could destabilize the broader South Asian region, especially if retaliatory attacks continue along the border.

For now, the situation remains highly volatile as both Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan administration monitor developments and prepare for possible further confrontations.