Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of airstrikes hitting civilian homes in Kabul and Kandahar as border tensions intensify.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes that struck civilian homes in Kabul and the southern province of Kandahar, intensifying an already fragile security situation between the neighboring countries. Officials said the attacks occurred overnight and resulted in casualties, including women and children, as hostilities between the two sides stretched into their third week.
The accusations surfaced early Friday when government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistani aircraft targeted residential areas during the strikes. The alleged attacks come despite repeated international calls urging both nations to de-escalate tensions and avoid further violence along their shared border.
Civilian Casualties Reported After Airstrikes
According to the Taliban administration, several residential neighborhoods were hit during the overnight bombardment. Afghan authorities said the strikes damaged civilian homes and led to multiple deaths, with women and children among those reported killed.
Officials described the incident as a serious escalation that could worsen the humanitarian and security situation in affected areas. While details about the exact number of casualties remain unclear, Afghan authorities indicated that rescue efforts were ongoing in the impacted neighborhoods.
The claims have heightened concerns among local communities already dealing with uncertainty due to weeks of cross-border tensions. Residents in parts of Kabul and Kandahar reportedly experienced fear and disruption as explosions were heard overnight.
Fuel Depots Near Kandahar Airport Also Targeted
In addition to residential areas, Afghan officials said the airstrikes also hit infrastructure near Kandahar airport. Mujahid stated in a post on X that aircraft targeted fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air, one of Afghanistan’s largest aviation companies.
The reported strike on the fuel storage facilities has raised worries about potential disruptions to aviation services and broader economic activity in the region. Kandahar airport plays an important role in regional travel and logistics, making any damage to nearby infrastructure particularly sensitive.
Afghan authorities did not immediately release detailed assessments of the damage, though initial reports suggest the attacks affected multiple locations.
Silence From Islamabad
As Afghanistan accused Pakistan of targeting civilian sites, officials in Islamabad had not yet issued a formal response. Pakistan’s military and government did not immediately comment on the allegations following the reports of overnight strikes.
The absence of an official statement has left uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the reported attacks. Analysts say the lack of clarity may further complicate already strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Regional Tensions Enter Third Week
The latest accusations arrive as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue into their third week, raising fears of a prolonged confrontation. Cross-border incidents have increased in recent days, prompting global concern and calls for restraint from international observers.
Diplomatic voices have urged both sides to prioritize dialogue and prevent further escalation that could destabilize the region. However, the reported airstrikes suggest that the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further incidents if tensions are not addressed.
As investigations continue and more information emerges, the focus now turns to whether diplomatic efforts can calm the situation and prevent additional civilian harm. For communities living near the affected areas, the immediate concern remains safety as uncertainty continues to surround the unfolding conflict.
