The Taliban accused Pakistan of carrying out fresh airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, claiming dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed or injured in attacks on residential areas in Paktika, Paktia and Kunar provinces.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes took place on Sunday night in the Gayan district of Paktika, the Tsamkani district of Paktia and the Manogai district of Kunar.
In a statement posted on X, Mujahid condemned the attacks as a "cowardly act of aggression", alleging that Pakistani forces had targeted civilian areas and caused heavy casualties. He described the strikes as a crime and an act of brutality.
The reported attacks come amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with cross-border hostilities escalating in recent months.
Earlier this month, Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan's charge d'affaires in Kabul to protest against alleged violations of Afghan airspace following airstrikes that the Taliban said killed 13 civilians, including 11 children, in Kunar, Khost and Paktika provinces on 9 June.
