Pakistani airstrikes target Afghanistan after Islamabad accuses Kabul of drone attacks

Live updates

1. 23d ago

   Pakistan Launches Airstrikes After Accusing Kabul of Drone Attacks

   Pakistani military forces killed 12 militants and Afghan Taliban forces during an infiltration attempt in the Khurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This action follows a series of Pakistani airstrikes targeting 10 drone launch and storage sites inside Afghanistan. Islamabad states it intercepted 23 suicide drones originating from Afghan airspace during the month of September alone. While Pakistan maintains these operations focus on militants, the Taliban government reports that civilian casualties occurred during the strikes. Regional tensions have steadily worsened since February 2026 as Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring militants responsible for attacks within Pakistan.

   Why it matters

   Pakistan shares a long western land border with Afghanistan and maintains the fifth-largest population in the world at over 241.5 million people according to Wikipedia data. The ongoing border friction highlights a severe security breakdown between the neighboring governments over militant safe havens. Cross-border drone intercepts and military engagements threaten further escalation along the regional frontier.

   What is confirmed

   • Pakistan is the fifth-most populous country in the world with a population of over 241.5 million.
   • Pakistan shares land borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China.

   What to watch next

   • Further official statements from Islamabad and the Taliban government regarding border casualties
   • Additional military engagements along the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa frontier
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. simple.wikipedia.org — Pakistan - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
   2. dictionary.cambridge.org — Pakistani | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   3. en.wikipedia.org — Pakistan - Wikipedia
   4. en.wikipedia.org — Pakistanis - Wikipedia
   5. simple.wikipedia.org — Pakistanis - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
   6. www.youtube.com — Latest Pakistani Songs 2026 - YouTube
   7. en.wiktionary.org — Pakistani - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
   confidence 100%
2. 26d ago

   Pakistan kills 12 in border clash as drone conflict escalates

   The Pakistani military killed 12 militants and Afghan Taliban forces during a thwarted infiltration attempt in the Khurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This engagement follows a series of Pakistani airstrikes targeting 10 drone launch and storage sites in Afghanistan. Islamabad reports intercepting 23 suicide drones from Afghan airspace in September alone. While Pakistan claims these operations target militants, the Taliban government reports civilian deaths from the strikes. Tensions have worsened since February 2026 as Pakistan accuses Kabul of sheltering militants responsible for domestic attacks.

   Why it matters

   The conflict centers on the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and a long-standing dispute over the Durand Line border. The shift toward suicide drone warfare has expanded the security crisis into a broader bilateral breakdown.

   What is confirmed

   • The Pakistani military killed 12 militants and Afghan Taliban forces in a cross-border exchange in Khurram district.
   • Pakistan targeted 10 sites in Afghanistan used for drone storage and launching.
   • The conflict between the two nations began in February 2026.
   • Pakistan intercepted 23 suicide drones from Afghanistan in September.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Four civilians died in Pakistani strikes according to Kabul.
   • Two towers and a CCTV camera were destroyed during a border incident.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of further suicide drone launches from Afghan territory
   • Diplomatic responses from the Taliban government regarding the Khurram district casualties
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.arabnews.pk — Pakistan says thwarted infiltration attempt, killing 12 ...
   2. thediplomat.com — Why the TTP Remains the Central Fault Line Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
   3. www.france24.com — Cheap weapons, growing fears: Inside the Taliban’s drone campaign against Pakistan
   4. www.kiprinform.com — Pakistan says it struck 10 sites in Afghanistan; Kabul ...
   5. www.newindianexpress.com — Pakistan urges Afghan Taliban to stop militants from carrying ...
   6. tass.com — Clashes break out on Afghan-Pakistani border, casualties reported — TV
   confidence 90%
3. 31d ago

   Pakistan Launches Airstrikes in Afghanistan Amid Escalating Border Conflict

   Pakistan carried out airstrikes across multiple Afghan provinces, targeting areas in Kunar, Paktika, Khost, and Helmand. The Taliban government reported at least 13 deaths, including 11 children, from Wednesday strikes, along with separate civilian casualties in Kunar and Helmand. Pakistan defends the military operations by pointing to cross-border militancy from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, while the Taliban government denies facilitating these attacks. Ground clashes also erupted between Taliban fighters and Pakistani troops along the Durand Line in Paktia province.

   Why it matters

   Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated significantly over cross-border security concerns and accusations of harboring militant groups. Pakistan has declared open war in this direct military confrontation, marking a sharp escalation since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan. These aerial bombardments and subsequent ground skirmishes deepen the friction along the contested border.

   What is confirmed

   • Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan across provinces including Kunar, Paktika, Khost, and Helmand.
   • The Afghan Taliban government reported that Wednesday airstrikes killed at least 13 people, including 11 children.
   • The Taliban's 203 Mansouri Corps reported armed clashes between its fighters and Pakistani troops near the Durand Line in Dand Patan, Paktia.
   • Islamabad blames a surge in attacks on Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan fighters operating from Afghan territory, an accusation denied by the Taliban government.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Three people were reportedly killed and several others wounded in Kunar during the latest Pakistani airstrikes.
   • The Taliban government stated that multiple civilians were killed during rare Pakistani strikes on Helmand province.

   What to watch next

   • Further official casualty reports and verification from international monitors regarding the strikes.
   • Potential expansion of ground skirmishes along the Durand Line between Pakistani troops and Taliban forces.
   • Diplomatic responses from either Islamabad or Kabul concerning the declared open war.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.cfr.org — Conflict Between Afghanistan and Pakistan | Global Conflict ...
   2. english.khabarhub.com — Pakistan conducts airstrikes in several areas in Afghanistan
   3. tribune.com.pk — FO quashes speculation over Yemen combat role - The Express Tribune
   4. www.thedailystar.net — Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan kill nine, Kabul says
   5. www.khaama.com — Kabul Reports Clashes With Pakistani Forces Along Durand Line in Paktia - Khaama Press
   6. ddnews.gov.in — Pakistani airstrikes kill at least 13 in Afghanistan, Taliban ...
   7. www.wionews.com — Afghanistan launches airstrikes inside Pakistan, targets ISIS ...
   confidence 90%
4. 34d ago

   Pakistan conducts airstrikes in Afghanistan

   Pakistan launched airstrikes into Afghanistan, targeting militant hideouts, after accusing Kabul of facilitating drone attacks against its territory. Islamabad claims these strikes killed 22 militants, while the UN reports at least 10 civilian deaths, primarily children. The airstrikes mark Pakistan's first known aerial operation inside Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover.

   Why it matters

   The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has escalated sharply, raising serious questions about Afghan sovereignty and regional security. The Taliban accused Islamabad of sending anti-Taliban fighters into Afghanistan. This development has significant implications for the region, given the complex and tense relationship between the two countries.

   What is confirmed

   • Pakistan claims its latest airstrikes in Afghanistan killed 22 terrorists.
   • The UN reports 10 civilians killed, most of them children.
   • A suicide attack near the border killed seven Pakistani soldiers.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Afghanistan claims 58 Pakistani soldiers killed in clashes.

   What to watch next

   • Further Pakistani airstrikes or ground operations in Afghanistan
   • Afghanistan's response to Pakistan's airstrikes
   • Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.wionews.com — Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Escalate As 'Cross-Border Airstrikes ...
   2. www.longwarjournal.org — Pakistan launches new strikes as conflict with Taliban ...
   3. www.ctvnews.ca — Taliban in control in Afghanistan 25 years after bid to oust them
   4. thediplomat.com — The Afghan Taliban’s Growing Drone War Against Pakistan
   5. www.lokmattimes.com — Civilians suffer as Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to ...
   6. www.thedailystar.net — Afghanistan claims 58 Pakistani soldiers killed in clashes ...
   7. www.thedailystar.net — Pakistan and Afghanistan hold peace talks in Doha after ...
   confidence 75%
5. 36d ago

   Pakistan launches airstrikes into Afghanistan

   Pakistan has conducted multiple airstrikes into Afghanistan, targeting militant hideouts. Islamabad claims these strikes killed 22 militants. The UN and Afghan authorities report at least 10 civilian deaths, primarily children. These attacks follow accusations by Pakistan that Kabul is facilitating drone attacks against its territory.

   Why it matters

   Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have escalated into military action. The airstrikes are part of Pakistan's Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, launched on October 1. This operation targets Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Balochistan Liberation Army hideouts in Kunar and Helmand provinces.

   What is confirmed

   • Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on October 1, striking Kunar and Helmand provinces.
   • Islamabad claims these strikes killed 22 militants.
   • The UN and Afghan authorities report at least 10 civilian deaths, primarily children.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Pakistan accuses Kabul of facilitating drone attacks against its territory.

   What to watch next

   • Further civilian casualties
   • International response to the escalation
   • Potential for increased militant activity
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. journal-neo.su — Pakistan’s Military Support for the Taliban Opposition: Status and Challenges
   2. www.gulf-times.com — tag - Gulf Times
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6. 38d ago

   Pakistan and Afghanistan Clash as Airstrikes Hit Multiple Provinces

   Pakistan has escalated military action in Afghanistan through multiple waves of airstrikes and border clashes. On October 1, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, striking Kunar and Helmand provinces to target Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Balochistan Liberation Army hideouts. Islamabad claims these strikes killed 22 militants, while the UN and Afghan authorities report at least 10 civilian deaths, primarily children. These attacks follow an earlier September 24 operation where Pakistan struck 10 sites in Kandahar, Paktia, and Khost after accusing Kabul of facilitating drone attacks against Pakistani territory.

   Why it matters

   The conflict stems from accusations that Kabul harbors militants and allows drone incursions. This escalation threatens international mediation efforts and has led to diplomatic protests, including the summoning of Pakistan's charge d'affaires in Kabul.

   What is confirmed

   • Pakistan carried out airstrikes on 10 sites in Kandahar, Paktia, and Khost on September 24.
   • Islamabad launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on October 1, targeting locations in Kunar and Helmand.
   • Pakistan claims its October 1 strikes killed 22 militants.
   • The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and Afghan authorities state the October 1 strikes killed at least 10 civilians, mostly children.
   • Pakistan says its forces killed at least 13 Afghan Taliban personnel during overnight fighting on the southwestern border.
   • The Taliban Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan's charge d'affaires to protest the entry of armed elements into Nuristan.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Afghanistan says 28 fighters were killed during the trade of accusations between Islamabad and Kabul.
   • The Afghanistan Freedom Front claims to have captured several checkpoints and killed 10 Taliban fighters in Nuristan's Kamdesh district.
   • Pakistani security sources report repelling a cross-border attack in the Gulistan area.

   What to watch next

   • Official response from the Taliban regarding the death toll of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
   • Further diplomatic actions by the Taliban Foreign Ministry regarding the Nuristan border incursions
   • Updates on international mediation efforts to resolve the border hostilities
   Sources used for this update (29)

   1. www.newsday.com — Pakistani airstrikes target Afghanistan after Islamabad accuses Kabul of drone attacks
   2. www.afintl.com — Border Attack Repelled, Several Afghan Taliban Killed, Say Pakistani Security Sources
   3. www.aljazeera.com — Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed as Islamabad, Kabul trade accusations
   4. www.nbcnews.com — Pakistan says it struck 10 sites in Afghanistan after accusing Kabul of drone attacks
   5. www.ctvnews.ca — Afghanistan targeted by airstrikes from Pakistan - CTV News
   6. www.audacy.com — 13 Afghan Taliban personnel killed in overnight border clash, Pakistan says. Kabul denies the claim - Aud....
   7. www.afintl.com — Anti-Taliban Front Publishes Images Of 10 Taliban Fighters Killed In Nuristan
   8. www.deccanherald.com — Pakistan Air Strikes: Islamabad targets Afghanistan after drone incursions
   9. TheWire.in — Pakistan Says it Struck 10 Sites in Afghanistan After Accusing Kabul of Drone Attacks - The Wire
   10. www.khaama.com — Pakistan Launches Airstrikes in Kandahar and Khost - Khaama Press
   11. www.afintl.com — Pakistan Helped Armed Fighters Enter Nuristan, Says Taliban
   12. www.dtnpf.com — Pakistani Airstrikes Target Afghanistan After Islamabad ...
   confidence 90%
7. 47d ago

   Pakistan conducts airstrikes in Afghanistan following drone attack claims

   Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan after Islamabad accused Kabul of conducting drone attacks. The Taliban reports that four civilians died in the strikes and has vowed to respond. Simultaneously, Pakistani security forces killed several Afghan Taliban fighters in retaliatory actions along the Balochistan border. These developments mark a sharp escalation in border hostilities between the two nations, with both sides reporting casualties and threatening further action.

   Why it matters

   Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have risen over border security and militant activity. This latest exchange follows a pattern of mutual accusations regarding the harboring of hostile groups. The conflict threatens to destabilize the fragile security situation along the shared frontier.

   What is confirmed

   • Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan after accusing Kabul of drone attacks.
   • The Taliban claims four civilians were killed in the Pakistani airstrikes.
   • Pakistani security forces killed several Afghan Taliban fighters in actions along the Balochistan border.

   What to watch next

   • Official response from the Afghan government to the civilian casualties
   • Further retaliatory military movements along the Balochistan border
   • Diplomatic efforts to mediate the escalation between Islamabad and Kabul
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. Al Jazeera — Afghanistan vows to respond after Pakistani air strikes kill four
   2. AP News — Pakistani airstrikes target Afghanistan after Islamabad accuses Kabul of drone attacks
   3. Reuters — Pakistan air strikes kill 4 civilians in Afghanistan, Kabul says
   4. Yahoo — What's behind the Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan?
   5. BBC — Four civilians killed in Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan, Taliban says
   6. Dawn — Security forces kill several Afghan Taliban fighters in retaliatory action along Balochistan border: sources
   7. The Times of India — Several Taliban fighters killed in clash along Pakistan-Afghanistan border
   8. Al Jazeera — Pakistani forces kill Afghan Taliban fighters in border escalation
   confidence 90%