Afghanistan says nine killed in Pakistani air raids on Kunar, Helmand

October 1, 2026 at 09:16 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Afghanistan accused Pakistan of launching air attacks on Kunar and Helmand provinces, killing at least nine people and wounding 11. Pakistan's Information Ministry said its strikes targeted hideouts used by armed groups and that initial reports suggest 22 fighters were killed. The casualty claims from either side could not immediately be independently verified.

Key Facts

Afghanistan says all nine victims of the Pakistani air raids were women and children.
Pakistan's Information Ministry said initial reports suggest 22 fighters were killed in the strikes.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for Afghanistan's government, said the strikes took place late on Wednesday and destroyed three houses.
The attacks come amid an escalation in fighting between the neighbouring countries after three months of relative calm.

Casualty Claims

Afghanistan accused Pakistan of launching air attacks on its Kunar and Helmand provinces, killing at least nine people and wounding 11. Kabul says all nine victims of the attacks were women and children. Pakistan's Information Ministry said its strikes were against hideouts used by armed groups in two locations and that initial reports suggest 22 fighters had been killed. The casualty claims from either side could not immediately be independently verified.

Official Reactions

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for Afghanistan's government, said the strikes took place late on Wednesday and that the victims were all women and children. In a post on X, he said the attacks on northeastern Kunar and southern Helmand destroyed three houses. He wrote, "We condemn this act and consider it an aggression and crime against all accepted principles."

Escalating Tensions

The alleged attacks come amid an escalation in fighting between the neighbouring countries after three months of relative calm. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring armed groups who stage cross-border attacks on its territory. The Afghan government denies the charge and says the issue is Pakistan's internal problem.