At least 13 people were killed and 14 others wounded after Pakistani airstrikes targeted areas in eastern Afghanistan, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the two neighbours.
Mujahid said the strikes hit the provinces of Kunar, Khost and Paktika, accusing Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace and targeting civilian homes. He added that many of those killed were civilians, including 11 children, though Islamabad has not immediately confirmed the details of the operation.
On the other hand, Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said on Wednesday that its military struck militant hideouts along the border with Afghanistan, killing at least 26 militants.
The incident comes amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government, with both sides exchanging fire and accusations over recent months.
What began as intermittent border clashes has gradually escalated into wider hostilities involving airstrikes, artillery exchanges and retaliatory attacks.
On 9 June, six Pakistani security personnel were killed following an attack on a border outpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Pakistani authorities reported that eight militants were killed in the attack. The authorities also said that the militants attempted to seize a border outpost within the region.
Pakistan has repeatedly said its operations are aimed at militant groups, particularly Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it claims operates from Afghan territory and carries out attacks inside Pakistan.
The Taliban authorities in Kabul deny providing a haven to such groups and have instead accused Islamabad of breaching Afghan sovereignty.
Analysts say the ongoing violence reflects a mix of security concerns, unresolved border disputes and mounting political pressure on both governments to appear tough.
The frontier, known as the Durand Line, has long been a source of friction and remains difficult to control, contributing to repeated flare‑ups.
The latest strikes underline fears that the situation could spiral further, particularly as previous ceasefires and mediation efforts have failed to produce lasting stability. With both sides continuing to trade accusations and military responses, the risk of wider escalation across the region remains high.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 21st of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 22nd of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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