Kandahar Hit in New Pakistan-Afghanistan Escalation as Both Sides Trade Accusations
Pakistan conducted air and drone strikes at 10 locations in Afghanistan, including areas near Kandahar, saying it targeted sites used to store and launch drones after an alleged incursion from Afghan territory. Afghan authorities said strikes in Kandahar, Khost and Paktia killed four civilians and warned of retaliation.
The attacks follow earlier Pakistani strikes in Kunar and Paktika and reflect continuing disputes over armed groups, civilian casualties and cross-border operations. The renewed fighting threatens diplomatic efforts by China, Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to reduce tensions.
Pakistan carried out fresh air and drone strikes inside Afghanistan on Thursday, with Kandahar among the areas reportedly affected, marking another escalation between the two neighboring countries.
A Kandahar resident told AFP that a jet was heard before a large explosion and a fire were seen in the city. Local Afghan sources also reported a strike in the ninth district of Kandahar, while early reports indicated no casualties there.
Pakistan said its forces struck 10 locations in Afghanistan that it described as sites used to store and launch drones. Islamabad said the operation followed what it called an unlawful drone incursion from Afghan territory a day earlier.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government gave a different account, saying Pakistani strikes hit Kandahar, Khost and Paktia and killed four civilians. Afghan officials condemned the attacks and warned that they would respond.
The latest confrontation follows Pakistani strikes earlier this week in Kunar and Paktika. Afghan officials and the United Nations reported civilian deaths from those attacks, while Pakistan said its forces had targeted militants and claimed 28 fighters were killed.
The two governments continue to disagree over the source of cross-border violence. Pakistan accuses armed groups, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), of operating from Afghan territory. Afghanistan rejects the accusation and has repeatedly objected to Pakistani military operations inside its territory.
The renewed fighting also threatens diplomatic efforts involving China, Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have been involved in attempts to reduce tensions between the two countries. With military exchanges continuing, concerns are growing that another cycle of cross-border attacks could further strain an already fragile relationship.
