Image from X
Pakistan Strikes Reported in Afghanistan’s Paktika
Pakistan conducted fresh strikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Friday, according to Afghan officials and local media reports. The reported action came the same day both sides moved to extend a temporary truce while delegations prepared for talks in Doha. There was no immediate official confirmation from Pakistan’s military about specific targets in Paktika, and casualty figures varied through the day as authorities assessed the situation. Independent verification of the strike locations and tolls remained limited as of Friday night.
Escalation Despite Truce Extension
The renewed escalation followed a week of cross-border violence that closed major crossings and left dozens dead on both sides earlier in the week. Islamabad has accused the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) of operating from Afghan soil, while Kabul has condemned air operations it says violated its territory. A fragile ceasefire, initially set for 48 hours, was extended on Friday to support dialogue in Doha, even as fresh violence was reported in Afghanistan’s southeast.
Reports of Civilian Impact
Local authorities in Paktika said residential areas were affected, though the extent of damage could not be independently confirmed. Pakistan’s government and military had not issued a detailed public statement on Friday night about the Paktika claims. Afghan officials reiterated they do not seek further escalation and said they would raise the reported strikes during the Doha discussions. Separate reports from international agencies and Afghan police also noted cross-border blasts and air attacks in southeastern Afghanistan during the week, underscoring the volatility along the frontier.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue through the weekend. Security officials from both countries have said they aim to use the extended truce to reduce tensions and prevent further casualties, but field reports on Friday highlighted how quickly conditions can change on the ground. Monitoring groups urged caution in attributing specific incidents until more verifiable information is available.
