Pakistan Strikes Afghan Border Targets Again as UN Reports 28 Civilian Deaths

Pakistan launched a fresh series of airstrikes and a ground operation into the Afghan provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar on July 1–2, 2026, citing an earlier terrorist attack on a Rangers facility in Karachi — claimed by a faction of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — that killed three Pakistani soldiers.

Civilian Toll Disputed

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that the Pakistani bombardment caused at least 28 civilian deaths, including women and children, and 49 injuries. Afghan authorities disputed these figures, claiming a much higher toll of 36 dead and 163 injured, alongside the destruction of numerous homes. Pakistan has not commented on civilian casualty figures, insisting its strikes targeted only militant infrastructure and hideouts.

Ongoing Conflict Since February 2026

The latest strikes are part of a broader conflict that has unfolded since late February 2026, when Pakistan first launched airstrikes into eastern Afghanistan in response to cross-border militant attacks. The fighting has since escalated into artillery exchanges, drone incidents, and clashes at multiple points along the Durand Line separating the two countries.

Afghanistan Condemns the Attacks

The Taliban-led Afghan government condemned the latest Pakistani strikes as acts of aggression against Afghan sovereignty. Afghanistan has repeatedly demanded that Pakistan cease military operations on its soil. Regional powers including China have urged both sides to de-escalate. Track related developments in our World section.