Afghanistan Vows Response After Deadly Airstrikes by Pakistan

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Kabul: Afghanistan has strongly condemned a series of cross-border airstrikes by the Pakistan Air Force that hit the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika, killing civilians and prompting Kabul to promise an “appropriate and measured response.” Afghan officials described the attacks as a breach of national sovereignty and international law.

According to Afghan authorities and local reports, at least 18 people including women and children were killed when homes, a religious seminary and residential areas were struck in overnight bombardments. Several others were reported injured, and some remain missing under rubble as rescue efforts continue.

The Afghan Ministry of Defence said the strikes hit “various civilian areas” and called the assault a violation of Afghanistan’s airspace. A Taliban government spokesperson accused Pakistan of targeting non-combatants and vowed Kabul would respond at a suitable time. Afghanistan’s foreign ministry also summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul to lodge a formal protest.

Islamabad, however, maintains that the operations were “intelligence-based strikes” against hideouts of militants linked to the Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State – Khorasan Province, which it blames for recent deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistani authorities claimed they killed dozens of fighters, though these figures cannot be independently verified.

The strikes mark a sharp escalation in a conflict that has strained relations for months. Longstanding border tensions exacerbated by accusations that militant groups operate from Afghan soil have already prompted periodic clashes despite previous ceasefire agreements.

Regional reactions have been immediate. India strongly condemned the attacks, calling them an attempt to “externalise internal failures” and reaffirming support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Other neighbours and international actors have expressed concern over rising civilian casualties and the potential for wider instability if diplomacy fails to calm the situation.

As tensions remain high and both sides trade claims, Afghanistan’s promise of an “measured response” adds pressure on diplomatic channels in an already volatile South Asian security environment.