Fresh violence has pushed Afghanistan and Pakistan closer to a deeper confrontation after Kabul accused Islamabad of carrying out new airstrikes that reportedly killed 13 people and injured 14 others. According to Taliban authorities, the strikes targeted areas in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces, resulting in the deaths of 11 children, one woman and one elderly man. The allegations have sparked renewed tensions between the neighboring countries, which have been locked in a prolonged cycle of border clashes, militant attacks and security operations. Pakistan has not immediately responded to the latest accusations. However, the reported airstrikes come shortly after a deadly attack on a security post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that left six Federal Constabulary personnel dead.

Pakistan has said its security forces killed 22 militants during a joint operation in the Khyber district near the Afghanistan border. The operation reportedly involved an intense exchange of fire between security personnel and armed groups in a region that has seen rising violence. The incident has drawn attention after a 10-year-old child was killed in the crossfire, highlighting the risks faced by civilians in conflict zones. While authorities describe those killed as militants, independent verification of such claims remains limited.