Late Monday night, Pakistan launched airstrikes into Afghan territory, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 civilians, including nine children and one woman, according to the Taliban administration. This cross-border attack significantly escalates tensions between the two neighboring countries, occurring just hours after a substantial militant assault on a security facility in Pakistan’s Peshawar.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid vehemently denounced the strikes, issuing a stern warning about the repercussions of continued cross-border incursions. The deadly airstrike specifically targeted a residential area in the eastern border region, with the Taliban confirming the tragic civilian casualties, including five boys, four girls, and one woman, via social media. The home was completely obliterated. In separate Pakistani airstrikes on the border areas of Kunar and Paktika, four additional civilians sustained injuries.
Mujahid characterized the Pakistani forces as “invasion forces” and condemned the bombing, emphasizing that a civilian dwelling was the target. The airstrikes are widely believed to be a direct retaliation for a major security breach in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province earlier that day. The assault involved gunmen and suicide bombers storming the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters in Peshawar, a critical security installation situated near a military cantonment. The attack commenced when a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance, allowing another assailant to infiltrate the compound. At least three individuals perished, and security forces engaged the remaining attackers deep into the night, leading to the sealing of surrounding roads. This incident exacerbates Pakistan’s growing internal security challenges, particularly amid strained relations with Kabul.
The wider context of this escalating violence is rooted in a long-standing crisis involving cross-border militant activity, which has severely impacted diplomatic efforts. Earlier this month, a suicide bombing in Islamabad claimed 12 lives, with the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) claiming responsibility. Islamabad subsequently accused TTP leadership of orchestrating the capital’s blast from Afghan border bases. This latest bloodshed follows the collapse of several rounds of talks aimed at de-escalating border tensions.
Amidst the escalating conflict with Islamabad, the Taliban administration has signaled a pivot towards strengthening economic ties with India. Afghanistan’s Commerce and Industry Minister recently concluded a visit to New Delhi, hinting at a potential revival of economic engagement that had stalled since 2021. Discussions are underway to reactivate historic trade and investment relations, with technical teams exploring avenues for expanded market access.