Civilian deaths mount as Pakistan-Afghanistan air war escalates

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply early Friday after Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government accused Pakistani forces of carrying out overnight airstrikes on residential areas in Kabul and the southern province of Kandahar, killing civilians and deepening fears of a widening conflict.

Taliban authorities said at least four civilians including children were killed in the strikes, while around 15 others were injured in the capital. Local officials warned the toll could rise as rescue efforts continue. Reports indicate that homes and civilian infrastructure were hit, underscoring growing concerns about non-combatants being drawn into the conflict, a development humanitarian groups say is a dangerous sign.

Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid alleged that Pakistani aircraft also struck fuel storage facilities near Kandahar airport used by a private airline that supplies fuel to civilian flights and United Nations aircraft. Pakistan’s military had not issued an official response at the time of reporting.

The strikes come amid nearly three weeks of intensifying hostilities between the two neighbors, with both sides exchanging cross-border attacks. Islamabad maintains that its operations target militants from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whom it accuses Afghanistan of sheltering an allegation Kabul denies.

Afghan officials warned the attacks “will not go unanswered,” raising fears of further escalation. Diplomatic appeals for restraint from regional and international actors have so far failed to halt the violence, which marks the deadliest confrontation between the two countries in years.

Analysts warn that continued attacks on populated areas risk worsening humanitarian conditions and pushing the region toward a broader conflict.