Pakistan has conducted air strikes inside Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people, in what Islamabad described as a counter-terrorism operation targeting militant hideouts. The attacks, which took place in the eastern provinces of Khost and Kunar, have drawn immediate international condemnation, with the United Kingdom describing the action as a violation of Afghan sovereignty.
The strikes are the first reported cross-border military intervention by Pakistan since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Afghan officials confirmed that civilian homes were hit, with local sources reporting women and children among the dead. The Taliban-led government in Kabul condemned the strikes as a “brutal act of aggression” and warned of retaliation.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying the operation was based on “credible intelligence” and targeted “terrorist elements” linked to attacks on Pakistani security forces. The statement did not specify the intended target but referred to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, a militant group that has carried out attacks inside Pakistan from bases in Afghanistan.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a statement: “The UK condemns the air strikes by Pakistan inside Afghanistan. This cross-border use of force is unacceptable and undermines the stability of the region. We call for restraint and dialogue.” The UK has previously urged both sides to resolve border issues peacefully.
The development comes as Pakistan faces a surge in militant violence, including a suicide bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last week that killed 12 soldiers. Islamabad has long alleged that the Afghan Taliban have failed to prevent cross-border attacks, a charge the Taliban denies.
Analysts say the strikes signal a deepening rift between Pakistan and the Taliban, who were once close allies. The escalation also threatens to destabilise the border region, which is already home to millions of displaced people and has a history of cross-border friction.
The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the civilian casualties, while the United States urged both sides to “prevent further escalation”. Pakistan has not responded to the calls for an inquiry.
The air strikes are likely to complicate Pakistan’s relations with the international community, which has been gradually engaging with the Taliban to address humanitarian and security concerns.
