Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan leave at least 9 dead as Kabul and Islamabad report conflicting tolls

Pakistani airstrikes hit Kunar and Helmand provinces

The Pakistani air force carried out a series of airstrikes inside Afghanistan late on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. The aerial bombardment targeted locations in Kunar and Helmand provinces, hitting three residential houses and leaving them completely destroyed, according to statements from the de facto Taliban government in Kabul. Afghan authorities reported that the strikes occurred across districts in both provinces. The cross-border air operation ended an approximate three-month period of relative calm between the two South Asian neighbors. The two states now face a potential full reignition of armed hostility along their shared border following the military action.

Taliban officials report civilian casualties in destroyed homes

Casualty reports from Afghan authorities indicated civilian deaths resulting from the late-night bombardment. The de facto Taliban administration announced that at least 9 civilians were killed and 11 others sustained injuries during the strikes across Kunar and Helmand provinces. Zabihullah Mujahid, the official spokesperson for the Taliban government, confirmed that all nine of the deceased victims were women and children. Mujahid published photographs of the victims and the three destroyed residential homes to substantiate the civilian death toll. The spokesperson formally condemned the Pakistani cross-border operation.

We condemn this act, which constitutes an attack and a crime in violation of all accepted principles.

Mujahid reiterated that the bombardment targeted civilian homes rather than militant facilities in both provinces. The Taliban administration stated that the operation breached established principles governing relations between neighboring states. Afghan officials described the aerial bombardment as an unprovoked cross-border assault against residential dwellings.

Pakistan reports 22 militants killed in hideout strikes

The government of Pakistan issued an opposing account of the cross-border aerial operation. In an official announcement, Pakistani authorities confirmed that the air force conducted targeted strikes against hideouts of terrorist organizations located inside Afghanistan. According to Islamabad, the strikes killed 22 individuals identified as terrorists across the targeted sites. Pakistani officials stated that the military operation destroyed large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored within the militant hideouts. The Pakistani government maintained that the aerial mission targeted militant infrastructure rather than residential dwellings.

Pakistani authorities stated that the targeted compounds served as staging grounds for armed attacks across the border. Islamabad indicated that the operation aimed to degrade militant capabilities following repeated insurgent activity on Pakistani territory.

Safe haven accusations and cross-border disputes

The cross-border strikes follow prolonged friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan, two neighboring countries that were formerly close allies. Bilateral relations have deteriorated primarily over the activities of jihadist organizations operating within Pakistani territory. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the de facto Taliban administration in Kabul of providing safe haven to extremist militants who plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government in Kabul denies these accusations, rejecting claims that it shelters armed factions. Afghan officials state that extremist violence is an internal domestic problem for Pakistan rather than an issue originating from Afghan soil. Kabul reiterated that Pakistani authorities must address their domestic security challenges within their own borders.