At least 28 civilians were killed following Pakistani air strikes and ground operations across Afghan border provinces, according to UNAMA. Afghanistan’s Taliban government reported higher civilian casualties and condemned the attacks.
Pakistan said its operations targeted militant positions in response to recent cross-border attacks, amid a breakdown of a previous ceasefire agreement.
- UNAMA: 28 civilians killed, 49 injured
- Taliban authorities: up to 36 killed, over 160 injured
- Pakistan: 29 militants killed, claims operation was retaliatory
- Strikes reported in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces
The escalation reflects a broader deterioration in Pakistan–Afghanistan relations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, driven primarily by disputes over cross-border militancy and competing security claims along the Durand Line.
Repeated cycles of retaliatory strikes, ceasefire breakdowns, and mutual accusations of harbouring armed groups—particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—have prevented any durable diplomatic settlement.
Despite intermittent mediation efforts and short-lived truces, both governments continue to prioritise military responses over sustained negotiation, while humanitarian consequences along border provinces have intensified.
ℹ️ BBC News
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