KABUL, October 1, 2026 — Afghanistan’s Taliban government says Pakistani airstrikes hit parts of Helmand and Kunar provinces, killing civilians and injuring others. Pakistan confirmed carrying out strikes inside Afghanistan but said the attacks targeted militant camps and hideouts based on intelligence.
Strikes Reported in Helmand and Kunar
The overnight strikes reportedly hit the Safar area of Garmser district in Helmand and areas of Kunar province near the Pakistani border. Afghan officials said residential homes were among the locations affected.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government initially reported that nine civilians, including women and children, were killed and 11 others wounded. The United Nations later said at least 10 civilians were killed, with most of those killed being children, and reported nine injuries.
Pakistan Says Militants Were Targeted
Pakistan’s Information Ministry confirmed the strikes and described them as “planned and calibrated” operations. Officials said the attacks were conducted on the basis of credible intelligence and targeted terrorist camps and hideouts at two locations.
Pakistan said initial reports indicated that 22 militants were killed and that large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted sites were destroyed. The claim about militant casualties could not be independently verified by Reuters or the Associated Press.
Afghanistan Reports Damage to Civilian Homes
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said three homes were destroyed during the strikes and accused Pakistan of attacking civilian areas. Afghan officials described the incident as an act of aggression and condemned the reported civilian casualties.
AFP reported that residents in Helmand described multiple strikes on their village, while witnesses in Kunar said homes were damaged and civilians were among those killed. Independent verification of the individual accounts remains limited because of access restrictions in the affected areas.
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Cross-Border Tensions Continue
The latest strikes come after months of tensions and periodic clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban government of allowing militants, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from Afghan territory and conduct attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul rejects those accusations.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has called for de-escalation, dialogue and measures to prevent further civilian harm. The latest strikes add to concerns over continuing cross-border violence between the two neighboring countries.
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