Clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified on Sunday after Pakistan launched airstrikes and deployed ground troops across border provinces in Afghanistan, triggering one of the most serious escalations in recent months.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government said at least 36 civilians, including women and children, were killed and more than 160 injured, calling the operation a “cowardly act” and a “crime and atrocity”.
Pakistan, however, said 29 militants were killed in targeted strikes on hideouts, describing the operation as a response to recent attacks inside its territory.
Conflicting accounts of casualties
The latest clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have produced sharply conflicting casualty figures, with neither side’s claims independently verified.
Afghan authorities said civilian homes were hit in provinces including Paktika, Paktika and Kunar, with the village of Mandokhail among the worst affected areas.
Pakistan maintains that its strikes targeted militant groups responsible for cross-border terrorism.
Cross-border tensions intensify
The clashes come amid long-standing accusations between the two countries over militant activity along their shared border.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of harbouring armed groups responsible for attacks in Pakistan, a claim the Taliban government rejects.
Kabul, in turn, has accused Pakistan of conducting unprovoked strikes that have caused civilian casualties.
Recent violence and fragile ceasefire
A ceasefire agreed last October following weeks of fighting has since broken down, with renewed violence reported intermittently in border regions.
Recent incidents include attacks in Karachi and earlier airstrikes that both sides say resulted in civilian and militant casualties.
Officials say the clashes reflect a broader deterioration in security cooperation between the two countries.
Regional security concerns grow
Analysts warn that continued escalation could further destabilise border regions and complicate already fragile diplomatic relations.
Both governments have indicated they are acting in response to militant threats, but the rising civilian toll has intensified international concern.
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