Pakistan launches deadly air strikes in Afghanistan, reigniting tensions

The fresh strikes come after weeks of relative calm in the restive border region between the two countries. Pakistan air strikes in Afghanistan kill 26 as tensions re-ignites Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Pakistan said the strikes were in response to "recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan" File photo of a Pakistani soldier standing beside a barb-wire fencing in North Waziristan, along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan Pakistan launches deadly air strikes in Afghanistan, reigniting tensions Pakistan has launched deadly air strikes along its border with Afghanistan, breaking months of relative calm in the restive region. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that four targets had been destroyed in "calibrated strikes" that had killed 26 militants. Afghanistan's Taliban government earlier said 13 people, including 11 children, were killed in Pakistani strikes in three provinces. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harbouring terrorists who carry out attacks on Pakistani soil, a claim the Taliban government rejects. The latest escalation is the first since February, when fighting at the border left hundreds dead. The latest escalation is the first since February, when fighting at the border left hundreds dead. The two countries had agreed a ceasefire last October following weeks of deadly clashes. The two countries had agreed a ceasefire last October following Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes were in response to "recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan" and that they targeted "hideouts and safe havens" on the border, including a training centre and an ammunition cache. "Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time the safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority," Tarar said. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said earlier that Pakistani strikes had hit targets in the provinces of Kunar, Khost and Paktika. He said "11 children, one woman, and one elderly man were killed" in the strikes. Apart from denying Pakistan's allegation that it had been providing safe harbour to militants, Afghanistan's government has repeatedly said its territory is not being used to threaten the security of other countries. There have been sporadic clashes since the heavy fighting in late February and world leaders have called on the two nations to cease hostilities. A Taliban soldier stands next to an anti-aircraft gun while on lookout for Pakistani fighter jets, in Khost province, Afghanistan, February 27, 2026. Why are Afghanistan and Pakistan fighting? The Wang Fuk Court blaze last year was the deadliest that Hong Kong had seen in 70 years, killing 168 people. Ma Ning, known for his stern style, has sparked viral memes and attracted major brand sponsorships. The BBC travels with rebels to frontline positions in Myanmar to see how the war is unfolding. The demonstration, in the western city of Herat, was broken up after police are alleged to have opened fire. Debutant Manav Suthar takes seven wickets in the match as India thrash Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs to claim their biggest Test win. Afghans exposed by a UK data leak remain stuck in Afghanistan, almost a year after it went public. Results and scorecards from Australia's brief tour of Pakistan, featuring three one-day internationals. CCTV images showed two people blocking the van's doors from the outside and throwing liquid inside to start a fire.