Kabul. Afghan authorities reported that at least three people were killed and several others injured in the strikes, while Pakistan said the operation targeted suspected militant hideouts. The claims from both sides could not immediately be independently verified.
According to Afghan officials, the main strike took place in Nurgal district of Kunar province at around 3 a.m. A residential building was reportedly hit, resulting in three deaths and injuries to several others. Afghan authorities described the victims as civilians and said the attack caused significant damage to the building.
Pakistan also reportedly carried out strikes in Barmal district of neighbouring Paktika province. Afghan officials said two locations were targeted there, with a shop and an unoccupied house damaged. No casualties were reported from the Paktika strikes.
Pakistan says militant hideouts were targeted
Pakistani security officials said the airstrikes were aimed at suspected militant positions in Afghanistan. According to Pakistani claims, the operation was directed at groups associated with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, which Islamabad has long accused of operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistani officials claimed that 28 suspected militants were killed in the operation. However, Afghan authorities reported three civilian deaths in Kunar and several injuries. These competing accounts have not been independently verified.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration in Kabul of allowing anti-Pakistan militant groups to operate from Afghan territory. Kabul has rejected those allegations and maintained that Afghanistan does not allow its territory to be used against other countries.
Strike follows deadly attacks in Pakistan
The latest airstrikes came shortly after deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces in the country's northwestern region. A major attack on a police compound in Kohat left at least 21 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to Pakistani authorities. Another attack in Hangu the following day killed six Pakistani security personnel.
Pakistan has linked the recent violence to militant groups that it says operate from bases across the Afghan border. No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the Kohat attack, although suspicion has focused on the TTP.
Following the attacks, Pakistan's government warned that it could take action against militant targets inside Afghanistan. Islamabad has demanded that Kabul take what it describes as credible and verifiable measures against groups accused of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.
Kabul condemns the airstrikes
The Afghan Taliban administration strongly condemned the latest airstrikes. Afghan officials said the attacks violated the country's sovereignty and warned that Afghanistan would respond.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the strikes were unacceptable and described the reported casualties as civilians. Afghan authorities also disputed Pakistan's account regarding the nature of the targets.
The Afghan side has repeatedly denied allowing militant organisations to use its territory for attacks against Pakistan. Kabul has instead argued that Pakistan's internal security problems should not be addressed through military action inside Afghanistan.
TTP remains a major point of disagreement
The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan remains one of the most contentious issues between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan considers the group a major security threat and has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of providing it with shelter or allowing its members to operate from Afghan territory.
The Afghan Taliban, however, has denied the accusation. Afghan officials have maintained that their territory will not be allowed to become a base for attacks against another country.
Although the Afghan Taliban and TTP are separate organisations, they have ideological and historical links. Pakistan's repeated allegations regarding TTP activity from Afghan territory have contributed significantly to the deterioration of relations between the two neighbours.
Border tensions add to the situation
The latest airstrikes have come against the backdrop of broader disagreements along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Both sides have previously exchanged fire and accused each other of violating security arrangements.
The border itself remains a longstanding source of tension. Afghanistan has historically disputed Pakistan's position on the Durand Line, while Pakistan treats the line as its international frontier.
Recent military activity has therefore added another layer to already complicated relations between Kabul and Islamabad. The latest strikes could further increase pressure on both governments at a time when regional countries have been encouraging dialogue.
Regional mediation efforts continue
The worsening situation is also a concern for countries seeking greater stability in the region. China, Qatar and Turkey have previously been involved in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Despite repeated military confrontations and strong statements from both sides, diplomatic channels have remained important. Afghan officials have indicated that dialogue and discussions on security issues remain necessary to address the underlying disputes.
The latest strikes, however, have once again raised concerns about renewed cross-border hostilities. The two countries had already experienced serious fighting earlier this year, making the new escalation particularly significant.
Earlier conflict had already strained relations
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated sharply over the past year, particularly over accusations concerning militant activity. In February, the two sides were involved in some of their most serious military clashes in years after Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan and Kabul responded with retaliatory action.
Although periods of reduced fighting followed, tensions over security and militant activity remained unresolved. The latest airstrikes indicate that the underlying disputes between the two countries continue to pose a challenge.
For Pakistan, the central concern remains attacks by militants whom Islamabad says are operating from Afghan territory. For Kabul, the issue involves protecting Afghan sovereignty and preventing foreign military operations inside the country.
Situation remains tense
The Monday strikes have brought the issue back into focus after a period of relative calm. Afghan authorities have reported civilian casualties, while Pakistani officials have presented the operation as action against suspected militant targets.
The difference between the two accounts highlights the wider dispute between the neighbouring countries. While Islamabad continues to demand action against the TTP and other groups it considers a threat, Kabul rejects allegations that it is providing support or safe haven to militants targeting Pakistan.
The immediate focus is now on whether the latest strikes lead to further military exchanges along the border or whether diplomatic efforts can prevent another prolonged confrontation.
For now, the situation remains tense in the eastern Afghan provinces bordering Pakistan. Further developments will depend on the response from Kabul, Islamabad and the armed groups involved in the wider security dispute.
