Pakistan Conducts Deadly Border Strikes in Afghanistan

Pakistan launched a series of airstrikes near the Afghanistan border on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 breaking a period of relative calm. Afghan government officials reported that Pakistani forces violated Afghan airspace, targeting civilian homes in Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. At least 13 civilians were killed, including 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man, according to Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who described the attacks as a “humanitarian crime and act of aggression.”

Rising Tensions and International Reactions

The strikes follow repeated warnings from India at the United Nations Security Council about Pakistan’s cross-border operations in Afghanistan, which have previously caused hundreds of civilian casualties. Officials highlighted concerns over regional security and called for accountability for these lethal actions.

Historical Context and Political Statements

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained since the Taliban regained control in 2021. Pakistani leaders, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have accused India of leveraging the Afghan Taliban in a proxy conflict, though no evidence has been provided. Afghan Taliban officials have repeatedly alleged that Pakistan shelters militant groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which conduct attacks on Afghan sovereignty.

Retaliatory Actions and Border Violence

The border region has witnessed continued attacks and counterattacks, despite a fragile ceasefire. Previous incidents, including explosions in Kabul in October 2025, followed Pakistani threats to retaliate against TTP fighters operating from Afghan territory. These recent strikes underscore the persistent volatility along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the challenge of ensuring civilian safety amid ongoing military operations.