In a series of overnight strikes that began early Monday morning, Pakistani military fighter jets targeted several locations in eastern Afghanistan, specifically within Kunar and Paktika provinces near the Durand Line border. Reports indicate that at least three individuals lost their lives in these strikes, raising alarms over the potential for increased tensions between the two nations.
In Kunar province, an airstrike resulted in the deaths of three family members and left at least four others injured within their home. Meanwhile, in Paktika province, airstrikes affected the Rakha and Torkandi areas of the Barmal district, destroying a shop and an empty house, but there have been no reported casualties in that district.
“If Pakistan claims its right to act under Article 51 of international law to justify its actions in Afghan territory, Afghanistan is fully entitled to defend itself and will respond accordingly,” stated Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban Chief Spokesperson.
This escalation follows a recent attack on a Pakistani police facility in the northwest border region that resulted in the deaths of 16 officers. The Pakistani government has consistently held the Taliban administration in Kabul responsible for allowing militant groups, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from within Afghanistan, conducting attacks against Pakistani borders—an allegation that the Taliban vehemently denies.
Cross-border tensions have sharply escalated in recent months, drawing increasing international concern over the violence at the border. Recent reports from UNAMA highlight hundreds of civilian casualties due to cross-border armed engagements and airstrikes since early 2026.