Kabul: Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have risen sharply once again after Afghanistan's Taliban government accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan that reportedly killed at least 13 civilians, including 11 children.
According to Afghan officials, the strikes targeted areas in the provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika on Tuesday. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that among those killed were 11 children, one woman and one elderly man. He also stated that at least 14 other people were injured in the attacks.
The reported airstrikes came just a day after a deadly militant attack on a Pakistani security post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistani authorities said six members of the Federal Constabulary were killed when suspected militants attacked the post. Security forces later launched an operation and reported killing eight attackers.
Although Pakistan had not officially confirmed carrying out the latest strikes at the time of reporting, the incident has further deepened tensions between the two neighboring countries, whose relations have deteriorated significantly in recent months.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban administration of allowing militants from Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan, commonly known as TTP, to operate from Afghan territory and launch attacks inside Pakistan. Afghan authorities have consistently rejected these allegations and insist that they do not allow any group to use Afghan soil against another country.
The latest accusations come against the backdrop of an increasingly dangerous security situation along the Afghanistan Pakistan border. Earlier this year, Pakistan launched a series of military operations and airstrikes against what it described as militant hideouts inside Afghanistan. Those actions led to retaliatory responses from Afghan forces and sparked fears of a wider conflict.
In February, heavy fighting and cross border military actions resulted in civilian casualties on both sides. International organizations expressed concern as reports emerged of children and other noncombatants being among the victims. The United Nations later called for restraint and urged both countries to avoid actions that could further escalate the conflict.
The current dispute has also affected trade, travel and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Border crossings have faced disruptions, affecting thousands of people who depend on cross border commerce for their livelihoods. Security concerns have also increased for communities living near the frontier.
Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that civilians are paying the highest price as violence continues. The deaths of children in the latest reported airstrikes have drawn renewed international attention and calls for an independent investigation into the incident.
Regional observers fear that continued military actions and retaliatory attacks could push relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan into a more dangerous phase. Both countries face significant economic and security challenges, making stability along their shared border increasingly important.
The United Nations and several international organizations have urged both sides to engage in dialogue and work toward reducing tensions. Diplomats have warned that continued escalation could worsen the humanitarian situation and create further instability across the region.
As of Wednesday evening, there had been no indication of immediate talks between the two governments. However, international pressure is expected to grow as concerns mount over civilian casualties and the possibility of further violence in the coming days.
The latest incident highlights the fragile security situation in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of life, particularly among innocent civilians caught in the middle of the conflict.