Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes in Kabul Following Afghan Border Attack

Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia provinces early Friday, following a cross-border attack by Afghan forces on Pakistani military posts. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the strikes, noting at least three explosions in Kabul, though details on casualties remain unconfirmed.

The Afghan Defense Ministry stated that its forces launched the attack in retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes that reportedly killed civilians. The ministry claimed to have destroyed 19 Pakistani army posts and two bases, resulting in 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and several captured. Afghan casualties were reported as eight killed and 11 wounded. Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar contested these figures, reporting two Pakistani soldiers killed and three wounded, while claiming 36 Afghan fighters were killed.

The escalating violence threatens the fragile ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey in October 2025. Both nations had agreed to refrain from hostile actions and to establish mechanisms for lasting peace. However, recent events have strained this agreement, with both sides accusing each other of unprovoked aggression.

Civilians have also been affected. Afghan authorities reported 13 civilians, including women and children, injured in a missile strike on a refugee camp near the Torkham border. On the Pakistani side, residents evacuated to safer areas following mortar fire from Afghanistan, though no civilian casualties were reported.

The United Nations has called for restraint and urged both countries to resolve differences through diplomacy to prevent further civilian harm.