Four Civilians Killed in Pakistani Air Strikes on Afghanistan, Taliban Says

The Taliban government said Pakistani air strikes killed four civilians on Thursday, hitting provinces including Kandahar, the Taliban's base of power, sources told the BBC. A resident told AFP news agency they heard a jet, followed by a large explosion and then a fire in the city.

Pakistan confirmed its forces struck 10 targets in Afghanistan, stating the strikes were "strictly limited to identified military objectives" without specifying exact locations. This is the second wave of Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory in the past week, following a deadly attack on a police facility in Pakistan on 18 September.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attacks struck Kandahar, Paktia and Khost provinces. In Paktia, an official reported jets bombed the Afghan Armed Forces' 203 Mansouri Corps, controlled by the Taliban, though no casualty details were provided. In Khost, a spokesman said houses were damaged but no casualties were reported.

Local eyewitness Abdullah told Reuters the strikes happened around midnight. "People were shouting, and there was panic all around," he said. "Afterwards, the village elder arrived and called out to the houses, asking if anyone was killed. Thankfully, no one was killed."

Another local, Salamat Khan, told Reuters "there is no military base here, nor are there any military personnel," adding "there are only the homes of ordinary civilians."

The Taliban said in a statement there would be an "appropriate response" following the attack, while Pakistan warned any further "provocative act" would be responded to.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The cross-border strikes risk escalating into a broader military confrontation between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government, further destabilizing a region already grappling with militancy and refugee flows.
Civilian casualties undermine the Taliban's claims to provide security and could fuel popular discontent in their heartland.
The incident highlights the persistent safe haven problem: Pakistan accuses militant groups of operating from Afghan soil, while the Taliban insists it controls its territory.

Background

Pakistan and the Taliban government in Afghanistan have had a fraught relationship since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Islamabad has long accused militants of using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban denies harboring such groups. Tensions have periodically flared into cross-border exchanges, with both sides trading accusations of violating each other's sovereignty.

Key Perspectives

The Taliban: Stated that four civilians were killed and promised an "appropriate response" — a phrase that signals retaliatory action while leaving room for diplomatic channels. Pakistan: Argued its strikes were "strictly limited to identified military objectives," framing them as targeted counter-terrorism operations rather than indiscriminate attacks. Local Residents: Eyewitnesses reported no military presence near the strikes in Khost, describing damage to civilian homes and panic among villagers, contradicting Pakistan's claim of hitting military targets.

What to Watch

Whether the Taliban follows through on its "appropriate response" threat, which could involve retaliatory shelling or attacks on Pakistani border posts.
Any independent or UN verification of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure in the targeted areas.
Diplomatic reactions from regional powers, particularly China and the United States, which have interests in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources