Afghan Forces Conduct Air Strikes on Militant Positions in Pakistan

Afghan forces have reportedly executed air strikes targeting militant hideouts in Pakistan, escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries. This action was confirmed by the Afghan Taliban’s Defence Ministry on Friday, following an offensive conducted late Thursday night in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, which share borders with Afghanistan.

The Taliban’s announcement comes after a prolonged period of hostility between Afghanistan and Pakistan, a relationship that has deteriorated significantly in recent months. Although details of the air strikes remain sparse, the Afghan Defence Ministry indicated that the operations were focused on locations allegedly used in collaboration with certain hostile intelligence networks to orchestrate attacks against Afghanistan.

The Afghan Defence Ministry emphasised that important targets were successfully hit, although specific information regarding casualties was not provided. According to data from the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, Afghanistan does not possess fighter jets but is equipped with a limited number of aircraft and helicopters. Notably, the Taliban have utilised drones in previous confrontations with Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting promptly rejected the Afghan claims, labelling them as unfounded. The ministry asserted that the allegations made by Kabul were “false as usual” and dismissed Afghanistan's reports as part of what it termed “fake and nefarious statements.” It highlighted that various terrorist camps are reportedly located and operated from within the territories controlled by the Afghan Taliban.

The ongoing conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has claimed hundreds of lives this year, with both sides engaging in a series of violent incidents. Mediation efforts spearheaded by China have yet to yield a peace agreement. Pakistan has held Afghanistan responsible for harbouring groups it accuses of launching attacks across the border, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, a group known for carrying out deadly strikes within Pakistan.

Last week, Pakistan itself conducted air strikes on Afghan locations, which according to Afghan officials resulted in casualties including children. Islamabad, however, asserted that its operations targeted militants and were a necessary response to recent violent acts in its northwest region.

The precarious state of peace following a fragile ceasefire deal reached in March has seen significant deterioration, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The United Nations reported that cross-border skirmishes in the early months of 2026 resulted in the deaths and injuries of many Afghan civilians.

In a statement, the Afghan Defence Ministry declared that the country is determined to address any threats to its security with all available resources. “Afghanistan will no longer tolerate any threat to its security and stability,” the statement concluded.