KABUL, March 13: Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan’s military of targeting homes and civilian sites in overnight airstrikes across Kabul, Kandahar, and other provinces, killing at least six civilians and injuring over a dozen.
Afghan officials said Pakistani aircraft also struck fuel depots serving civilian airlines and UN operations.
Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid warned the attacks “will not go unanswered.”
Pakistan’s state media described the strikes as “successful,” claiming they targeted four alleged militant hideouts and support infrastructure, part of ongoing operations against the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).
Both countries have been engaged in escalating cross-border attacks since late February, with Kabul and Islamabad targeting military installations along the border.
Afghanistan claims Pakistani strikes have hit Paktia, Paktika, and other provinces, while Pakistan denies civilian casualties, attributing injuries to drone debris.
The conflict is rooted in Pakistan’s allegations that Afghanistan harbors TTP militants, a claim the Taliban deny.
Diplomatic efforts, including visits by China’s special envoy, have failed to halt the violence.
The region remains unstable as cross-border fighting continues, exacerbated by repeated attacks from TTP inside Pakistan, such as a roadside bomb in Lakki Marwat killing six police officers.
Pakistan maintains its operations will continue until Kabul takes verifiable steps to curb militant activity.
This represents the deadliest escalation between the neighbors in years, raising concerns about broader regional stability. (PTI)
