Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan killed 8, Taliban reports.

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In the volatile border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, a tragic incident unfolded on Monday as eight individuals, all women and children, lost their lives in what has been described as "reckless" airstrikes by the Pakistani military. The spokesperson for the Taliban government, Zabihullah Mujahid, issued a statement condemning the attacks, which occurred in the provinces of Khost and Paktika near the border with Pakistan. These airstrikes, purportedly carried out around 3:00 am local time, targeted civilian homes, prompting swift condemnation from the Taliban, who deemed the action a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty.

Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have escalated since the Taliban seized power in 2021. Pakistan has accused militant groups of launching regular attacks from Afghan territory, further exacerbating the volatile situation in the region. The recent airstrikes by Pakistan come in the wake of an attack on Pakistani troops inside their territory, resulting in the death of seven soldiers. President Asif Ali Zardari vowed retaliation for the attack, emphasizing Pakistan's determination to respond forcefully to any threats to its borders or citizens.

The border areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan have historically been a stronghold for militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates along the porous frontier. While the Taliban deny harboring Pakistani militants, analysts note that these regions have witnessed increased militant activity since the Taliban's return to power. The TTP, in particular, has escalated its campaign against security forces, posing a significant challenge to both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In previous incidents, Pakistani military helicopters have conducted airstrikes along the Afghan border, resulting in casualties on the Afghan side. Despite denials from the TTP regarding their involvement in Monday's airstrikes, reports suggest that at least nine individuals, including women and children, were killed in the attacks. The tragic loss of innocent lives underscores the precarious situation in the border regions, where violence and instability continue to plague communities on both sides of the divide.