Border tensions between the two nations have escalated following the Taliban’s assumption of power in 2021, with Islamabad alleging that militant factions are launching regular attacks from Afghan territory.

According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, Pakistani aircraft purportedly conducted airstrikes on civilian residences in Khost and Paktika provinces bordering Pakistan around 3:00 am (2230 GMT Sunday).

Mujahid further claimed that the casualties of these strikes were exclusively women and children, France 24 reported.

In response to the alleged airstrikes, Afghanistan’s defense ministry stated that its border forces retaliated by targeting military positions of Pakistan along the disputed border using “heavy weaponry.”

Both sides reported cross-border skirmishes in the region extending into Monday afternoon, marking the latest in a series of such clashes along the contested frontier.

Written by B.C. Begley