Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan After Cross-Border Militancy Dispute

2026, September 21

Pakistan / Afghanistan

Pakistan said its air force struck militant positions in Afghanistan and killed 28 militants. Afghan authorities and the United Nations reported that at least three civilians were killed and four injured, while Kabul condemned the operation as a violation of its territory.

The strikes followed deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces and reflect a sharp deterioration in relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led government in Kabul. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of allowing Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants to operate from its territory; Afghan officials deny the allegations and have warned of retaliation.