Key facts
- At least 13 people, including 11 children, were killed in Pakistani airstrikes.
- 14 others, including women and children, were injured.
- The strikes targeted civilian homes in Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces.
- The Afghan Taliban condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan's airspace.
At least 13 people, including 11 children, were killed and 14 others injured after Pakistan's military launched airstrikes in three Afghan provinces, according to Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. The strikes, which occurred on Wednesday, targeted civilian homes in Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. Mujahid condemned the actions as a violation of Afghanistan's airspace. Pakistani officials offered no immediate comment, though security sources indicated the strikes targeted "hideouts and other facilities of the Pakistani militants using them against Pakistan." Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring militants responsible for attacks within Pakistan, an allegation the Taliban denies, stating militancy in Pakistan is an internal issue. This escalation threatens to disrupt a fragile ceasefire mediated by China in March, following a period of intense fighting between the two nations earlier in the year.