Kabul — A late-night airstrike carried out by Pakistan in eastern Afghanistan killed at least ten civilians, including nine children, triggering strong condemnation from the Taliban authorities on Tuesday. The attack took place around midnight in the Mughalgai area of Gurbuz district in Khost province, where Pakistani forces allegedly bombed the home of a local resident, Waliat Khan.
According to Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid, the strike killed five boys, four girls, and one woman from the same family. The house was completely destroyed, and five other civilians were injured. The Taliban government accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and intentionally targeting civilians.
Afghan officials said the airstrikes were not limited to Khost, claiming similar attacks were carried out in parts of Kunar and Paktika provinces, causing further damage. Pakistan has not issued any official statement or confirmation regarding the incident.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been escalating for months. In October, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in border regions that reportedly killed several civilians, including three Afghan cricketers. Kabul has repeatedly accused Islamabad of continued aggression despite ceasefire discussions, while Pakistan has blamed militant activity near the border for its operations.
The latest attack has once again heightened friction between the two neighbours, with the Taliban calling Pakistan’s actions “a clear breach of sovereignty” and demanding accountability for civilian deaths.
