Pakistani forces bomb Afghanistan province; 10 killed, including 9 children
What's the story
Afghan authorities have accused Pakistani forces of bombing a house in Khost province, killing nine children and a woman. The incident occurred in the Gurbuz district at midnight (19:30 GMT), Taliban administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. "The Pakistani invading forces bombed the house of a local civilian resident, Waliat Khan," Mujahid wrote on X.
Escalating tensions
Attack follows suicide bombing in Pakistan
The bombing in Afghanistan comes a day after a suicide attack on the headquarters of Pakistan's Federal Constabulary force in Peshawar. The attack, claimed by the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the Pakistan Taliban, killed three officers and injured 11 others. Pakistani President Asif Zardari blamed "foreign-backed Fitna al-Khawarij" for the attack, referring to TTP fighters allegedly operating from Afghan soil.
Fragile truce
Ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Türkiye
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been high since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Deadly border clashes in October killed about 70 people on both sides. A ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Türkiye ended the fighting, but talks in Istanbul failed to produce a lasting deal over security issues, especially Pakistan's demand that Kabul curb TTP fighters.
Accusations exchanged
Pakistan accuses Taliban of harboring TTP fighters
Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harboring TTP fighters responsible for a surge in attacks. Afghanistan denies this accusation, alleging that Pakistan harbors groups hostile to it and disrespects its sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned this week that thousands of containers were stranded at the border, each incurring $150-$200 in daily charges, describing the economic hardship as "unbearable."