Pakistani airstrikes kill nine civilians in Afghanistan, Afghan officials say

On the night of September 30, 2026, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan's Kunar and Helmand provinces, hitting three houses. Afghan Taliban officials reported nine civilians killed, including women and children, and eleven wounded. Pakistan claimed the strikes targeted militant hideouts and killed 22 terrorists. The United Nations reported at least ten civilian deaths. This incident escalates cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have been strained over militant activity. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants, while Kabul denies the charge. The strikes follow a recent militant attack in Pakistan that killed 24 people.