Taliban authorities in Afghanistan issued a strong warning on Tuesday, saying they would “respond appropriately” to a series of overnight air strikes they blamed on Pakistan. The attacks, carried out near the Afghan border, killed ten civilians and have further strained relations between the two neighboring countries. The incident follows a suicide bombing in Peshawar a day earlier.
Taliban Accuses Pakistan of Killing Civilians
According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the strikes hit the home of a local resident in Afghanistan’s Khost province. He wrote on social media that “the Pakistani invading forces bombed the house of a local civilian resident,” and added that “nine children (five boys and four girls) and one woman were martyred.”
In another statement, he said, “The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns this violation and reiterates that defending its airspace, territory, and people is its legitimate right, and it will respond appropriately at the right time.”
More Strikes Reported in Border Provinces
Reports also confirmed that additional air strikes occurred in the border districts of Kunar and Paktika, injuring four more civilians. Mustaghfir Gurbuz, spokesperson for the Khost governor, said the attacks were carried out using both drones and aircraft. Journalists in Jige Mughalgai near the Pakistan border witnessed locals searching through debris of destroyed homes and preparing graves for the victims.
Rising Tensions After Suicide Attack in Pakistan
The latest escalation comes soon after a suicide bomber targeted the headquarters of Pakistan’s Federal Constabulary in Peshawar on Monday, killing three officers and injuring 11 more. Although no group has claimed responsibility, Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV reported that the attackers were Afghan nationals.
Pakistan’s President Asif Zardari blamed the militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referring to them as “foreign-backed Fitna al-Khawarij.” Islamabad claims that TTP groups operate freely from Afghan soil.
Earlier this month, another suicide attack outside a court in Islamabad killed 12 people. A Pakistan Taliban faction claimed the attack, and Pakistani authorities stated that it was carried out by a network “guided at every step by the… high command based in Afghanistan.”
Pakistan Claims Afghan Involvement in Attacks
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, during a press briefing on Tuesday, presented a recorded confession from one of four arrested suspects. He stated, “There is clear-cut evidence that TTA (Afghan Taliban) and TTP did it together, and the suicide bomber was a resident of Afghanistan.” He further said, “Afghanistan is fully involved… and their soil is also involved,” although he did not comment on the alleged air strikes.
Longstanding Tension Between the Two Countries
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Clashes intensified in October when around 70 people died in cross-border fighting. The confrontations began after Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes on October 11-12, accusing Pakistan of an attack in Kabul.
Despite mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey, talks in Doha and Istanbul failed to produce a lasting peace, largely because Pakistan wants Afghanistan to take action against TTP militants. Kabul denies providing support to TTP and instead accuses Pakistan of hosting groups that attack Afghanistan.
Economic Strain at the Border
Amid rising tensions, trade has also been affected. The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported that thousands of shipping containers are stuck at the border, each accumulating daily fees of $150–$200. The chamber called the situation “unbearable” for traders and businesses already under pressure.
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