Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan kill nine, Taliban government says

OCTOBER 1, 2026 06:39Updated: OCTOBER 1, 2026 06:42Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan killed 9 people and injured 11 more on Thursday, the Afghan Taliban government said, amid an escalation in fighting between the South Asian neighbors after three months of relative calm.The strikes destroyed three houses in Kunar and Helmand provinces, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on social media website X/Twitter.At least nine people were killed, including women and children. "We condemn this act as an aggression and crime in violation of all accepted principles," he said.A Pakistani government spokesperson said they killed 22 "terrorists" 22 in the airstrike, as well as weapons and ammunition.Reuters could not independently verify the information.A man retrieves belongings from the debris of a house that was damaged in what the Taliban said was a Pakistani airstrike in Kunar province, Afghanistan, September 21, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER)Former allies turned foesPakistan and Afghanistan have increasingly been at odds over militancy, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants who stage cross-border attacks.The Taliban government denies the charge and says militancy is Pakistan's internal problem.Follow us on Google