Afghan Media Report Pakistani Airstrikes in Paktika
Pakistan has previously carried out retaliatory airstrikes against what it described as terrorist targets in Afghanistan following deadly attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Afghan media outlets have reported that Pakistani airstrikes targeted a Hafiz Gul Bahadur group’s major gathering in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, with several senior leaders and key members reportedly killed.
Pakistan has not officially confirmed the strikes.
Afghan Times correspondents and other media outlets have reportedly attempted to reach the area, but local Taliban authorities have restricted access, according to the reports.
The reports also allege that efforts are being made to prevent details about casualties and remnants of the strike from emerging.
The reported casualties could not be independently verified.
Crime and Aggression:
Last night, once again, the invading Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes on civilian areas in Kunar and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan.1/4— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) September 21, 2026
Strikes Follow Recent Attacks in Pakistan
The reported strikes come amid heightened tensions following recent attacks in Pakistan, including incidents in Kohat and Kurram.
The attacks have renewed concerns in Pakistan over militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
The organisation that claimed responsibility for a recent suicide attack has also been described as Afghanistan-based.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on Afghanistan to take action against militant groups operating from its territory and allegedly carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad have all previously raised concerns over militant groups operating from Afghan soil and called for action against them.
Taliban authorities have also been responding to Pakistan’s repeated demands, while the issue of militant activity from Afghan territory remains a major point of tension between the two countries.
Pakistan Yet to Confirm Strikes
Pakistan has not officially confirmed the reported airstrikes in Paktika.
Pakistan has previously carried out retaliatory airstrikes against what it described as terrorist targets in Afghanistan following deadly attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
