Pakistan Launches Air Strikes on Afghan Border, Tensions Escalate

Sat Jun 13 2026 13:04:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pakistan carried out lethal air raids on its Afghan frontier, killing 26 militants and sparking a new surge of violence after a ceasefire fell apart.

Pakistan’s military targeted four sites along the Afghan border, destroying a training centre, an ammunition cache and killing 26 militants. The government says the strikes respond to recent terrorist attacks, while Afghan Taliban officials report civilian casualties, including 11 children. This marks the first major flare‑up in cross‑border hostilities since February, when hostilities had left hundreds dead. Both sides had agreed a ceasefire last October amid prolonged clashes. International leaders urge a return to talks to prevent further destabilisation.

Pakistan launches deadly air strikes on Afghan border

The Pakistani army carried out calibrated air raids on four targets along its frontier with Afghanistan, killing 26 militant fighters and destroying an ammunition cache and training centre, officials say.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told reporters that the air strikes were a response to “recent terrorist incidents” and aimed at safe houses and hideouts used by militants.

The Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that the Pakistani bombings hit targets in Kunar, Khost and Paktika, killing 11 children, a woman and an elderly man, saying the state is not a harbour for terrorist activities.

These clashes mark the first escalated violence since late February, when cross‑border fighting left hundreds dead and a ceasefire had been agreed last October to halt clashes that had raged for weeks.

International leaders have called for a de‑escalation and urged both sides to resume talks, as violence threatens regional stability and security for civilians caught between the two warring states.