Pakistan Airstrikes Kill Nine in Afghanistan

The Government of Pakistan conducted airstrikes in the Kunar and Helmand provinces of Afghanistan on Thursday, killing nine people and injuring eleven others. The strikes targeted residential areas, contributing to a broader pattern of cross-border violence that the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reports has caused over 1,100 civilian casualties this year.

Pakistan justified the military operations by claiming to target militants and accusing the Afghan government of harboring the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. The Government of Afghanistan denied these allegations. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the strikes as "an aggression and crime in violation of all accepted principles" and vowed an appropriate response.

The Russian Embassy in Afghanistan expressed deep concern over the military confrontation, noting the impact on civilians and children. Previous strikes in the Barmal district of Paktika province also resulted in three civilian deaths.