Pakistan has carried out a series of air strikes in the Kunar and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan, leading to the deaths of at least 3 individuals and leaving several others injured. These military actions have Notably escalated the cross-border tensions between the two neighboring countries. The air strikes, which took place in the early hours of Monday, targeted multiple locations within Afghan territory, causing widespread panic and destruction of property.
Details of the Strikes in Paktika Province
According to local sources cited by Tolo News, the Pakistani fighter jets targeted the Rakha and Torkandi areas within the Barmal district of Paktika province. These strikes were conducted in two separate locations. In one instance, the aerial bombardment hit a vacant house, while the second strike targeted a local shop. While these specific attacks in Paktika resulted in significant structural damage, no immediate casualties were reported from these two sites. However, the destruction of civilian infrastructure has added to the growing humanitarian concerns in the region.
Casualties and Destruction in Kunar Province
The situation in Kunar province was more dire, where a separate Pakistani air strike reportedly claimed the lives of 3 people and left many others wounded. This military operation occurred just 2 days after an attack on a police center in Pakistan's northwestern region. Najibullah Hanif, the head of the Information and Culture Department in Kunar province, confirmed that the Pakistani military regime launched the air strike at approximately 3:00 AM. The attack specifically targeted a location in the Narang district of Kunar, while the impact of the strike caused a residential house to collapse completely, leading to the reported fatalities and injuries among the occupants.
UNAMA Reports on Civilian Casualties
These recent strikes are part of a continuing campaign of cross-border military actions by the Pakistani military in Afghanistan, which has seen a steady rise in civilian casualties. The United Nations has repeatedly expressed its deep concern regarding the impact of cross-border violence on the civilian population. According to a human rights report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) covering the period from April to June 2026, there were 399 civilian casualties due to cross-border armed violence during those months. This figure includes 57 deaths and 342 injuries.
The UNAMA report further breaks down the demographics of those affected, noting that 40 women and 112 children were among the casualties. Specifically, 6 women lost their lives, while 26 children were killed and 86 others were injured. The mission identified air strikes and ground clashes as the primary causes of civilian harm during this period. UNAMA explicitly held Pakistani security forces responsible for the documented cross-border civilian casualties between April and June. The provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar were highlighted as the areas where civilians were most heavily impacted by these air strikes.
On top of that, an earlier UNAMA report covering January to March 2026 documented over 750 civilian deaths and injuries resulting from cross-border armed violence between Afghan security forces and Pakistani military forces. The majority of these casualties were recorded during the months of February and March, indicating a sustained period of high-intensity conflict along the border.
Taliban's Warning and Response
In response to the escalating military actions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid issued a strong statement on Saturday, while he asserted that Afghanistan maintains the absolute right to defend its territory against any Pakistani military aggression. Mujahid warned Islamabad that any further strikes inside Afghanistan would meet with a decisive and crushing response, while during an interview, he categorically rejected Pakistan's allegations that Afghan soil is being used by terrorist groups for recruitment, training, or launching attacks against Pakistan.
" He emphasized that any Pakistani military operation within Afghanistan constitutes a violation of Afghan sovereignty and would trigger a severe reaction from Kabul. These comments were a direct rebuttal to claims made by a Pakistani military spokesperson, who alleged that militant groups were utilizing Afghan territory to recruit, train, and arm fighters for operations inside Pakistan.
Growing Humanitarian Concerns
The latest round of air strikes has added to the mounting record of civilian harm attributed to Pakistani security forces by UNAMA, while the United Nations has meticulously documented hundreds of civilian casualties resulting from cross-border violence in Afghanistan. The frequent reports of air strikes hitting populated areas have intensified international concerns regarding the humanitarian cost of Pakistan's military operations along the Afghan border. The destruction of homes and shops, coupled with the loss of life, continues to destabilize the region and exacerbate the suffering of the local population.