Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified after strikes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces in Kunar and Paktika on Monday, September 21.
Afghan authorities say at least three people have been killed and several others injured, and Pakistani security officials say the attack came to the site of suspected militant hideouts. The two sides have given different accounts of casualties and targets.
According to Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, Pakistani aircraft struck areas in Kunar’s Nurgal district in the early hours of Monday. Afghan officials said a house in the district was targeted, killing three members of the same family, and four others were injured.
The victims were civilians, according to Afghan authorities.
The attack also extended to Paktika province. Afghan officials said two locations in Barmal district were targeted. A shop and an unoccupied house were damaged or destroyed but no casualties were reported as a result of the strikes.
Pakistan has linked its military operations in Afghanistan to the threat posed by the militants operating in Pakistan. Pakistani officials and security officials have accused militants operating from Afghan territory of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.
🚀💥 PAKISTAN AIRSTRIKE 🇦🇫
— ARIKA🇮🇳🚩 (@nidhisj2001) September 21, 2026
The Pakistani Air Force launched fresh airstrikes targeting the Kunar region of Afghanistan. High civilian casualties are feared as bombs reportedly struck local residential zones. 🇵🇰⚠️ pic.twitter.com/UTMxMYzRab
Pakistani sources said Monday’s operation targeted militant positions and claimed that militants were killed, but these figures could not be independently verified.
The latest strikes come after a series of deadly security incidents in Pakistan. The latest attack in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, hit a police station and killed many people.
Pakistani authorities have blamed militants associated with groups operating from or sheltered in Afghanistan, while Afghan authorities have rejected allegations that Kabul provides sanctuary to militants attacking Pakistan.
The new strikes have triggered a strong response from Kabul. Taliban spokespersons have condemned the attacks and said Afghanistan would respond to any violations of its territory. Afghan officials have also said civilian casualties and damage to homes and other property have also been reported.
Video: Civilian casualties and damage caused by Pakistani military airstrikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces. pic.twitter.com/nAm7H7x7sh
— Inside Afghanistan (@Fawad_Afghan6) September 21, 2026
The developments are significant because Pakistan and Afghanistan have experienced repeated border tensions and military confrontations in recent months. Attacks by militants, militant attacks and accusations over the presence of cross-border armed groups have contributed to the bad feelings between the neighbouring countries.
The latest operation also follows earlier Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported at least 28 civilian deaths and 49 injuries in recent months that came from strikes in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar, while Pakistan said their actions are for the purposes of attack on militants.
With both sides giving very different accounts of the latest operation, further developments could determine if the conflict is limited to cross-border military action or leads to a more widespread escalation between Islamabad and Kabul.
