Pakistan Carries Out Airstrikes in Afghanistan, Nine Women Killed
Pakistan carried out overnight airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Helmand and Kunar provinces, with the Taliban government claiming that nine women and children were killed and 11 other civilians injured.
Afghanistan said the strikes hit civilian homes and destroyed three houses. Pakistan, however, said its forces targeted militant hideouts and that initial reports indicated 22 militants were killed.
Both sides’ casualty claims could not be independently verified.
The strikes come amid escalating cross-border tensions and repeated clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban government of allowing the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory, while Kabul denies providing the group a safe haven.
The UN has previously reported more than 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan from cross-border violence this year.
