Pakistan accuses Afghan forces of targeting civilians in border clashes

Pakistan accuses Afghan forces of targeting civilians in border clashes
A boy inspects the debris of what locals say are the possible remains of an artillery shell that hit a residential house, Pakistan, 5 March, 2026.
Reuters
By Chigozie Ohaka , Anadolu
May 2, 2026 10:37
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Pakistan has accused Afghan border forces of deliberately targeting civilians during renewed clashes along the border, saying at least nine people have been killed and 15 injured over the past two days.

Islamabad’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said those killed included women and children. Writing on social media platform "X" late on Friday, he said 12 people were injured on Thursday in what he described as "unprovoked and criminal targeting of civilians" in the north-western Bajaur tribal district.

He added that on Friday, three civilians were injured while playing cricket after what he called a "blatant and shameless" quadcopter attack by Fitna Al Khwarij, the term Pakistan uses for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group. Islamabad says the group operates from Afghan territory with backing from Kabul.

There was no immediate response from Afghan authorities to the latest accusations. Afghanistan has previously denied supporting the TTP.

A soldier stands at a post, following the exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces, at the border between the two countries, Pakistan, 27 February, 2026
Reuters

Earlier this week, Kabul accused Pakistan of launching a missile attack in the north-eastern Kunar province, killing at least four civilians and injuring around 70 others, including 30 students. Afghan officials said residential areas and the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University were among the sites hit.

Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed Kabul’s claims as "frivolous", insisting Pakistan only strikes militant hideouts and support infrastructure and takes care to avoid civilian casualties.

The claims made by both sides could not be independently verified.

Makeshift tents of displaced Afghan families, who fled following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces at a border crossing, taking refuge in Afghanistan, 4 March 4, 2026
Reuters

Pakistan and Afghanistan experienced some of their deadliest border clashes in March, leaving hundreds of civilians and militants dead on both sides. The violence eased after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire on 18 March, on the eve of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, following mediation efforts by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Officials from both countries later held week-long talks in the Chinese city of Urumqi, mediated by Beijing. China said the two sides agreed to discuss a comprehensive plan to address issues affecting bilateral relations.

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Pakistan Afghanistan border clashes cross-border fire
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