Kabul: At least four people were killed in fresh airstrikes by Pakistan targeting the Afghan capital Kabul, an Afghan government official said Friday. Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran reported that 'civilian' houses were struck in the Guzar area of Kabul's 21st district, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including women and children, and injuring 15 others.
According to Anadolu Agency, as part of a cross-border operation named "Ghazb Lil Haq" launched in late February, Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Pakistani forces targeted "'terrorist-affiliated' installations in Afghanistan" on the night between Thursday and Friday. Tarar stated on the social media platform X that the strikes were precise, aiming only at installations supporting terrorism and avoiding civilian areas and infrastructure.
Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistan also struck locations in Kabul, the southern province of Kandahar, and the eastern provinces of Paktia and Paktika. Pakistani forces reportedly targeted a fuel depot near Kandahar Airport, according to Mujahid's statement on X.
The UN mission in Kabul issued a separate statement documenting at least four civilian deaths and 14 injuries, including women and children, due to airstrikes in the Pul-e-Charkhi area. The UN Assistance Mission reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties.
Separately, the Afghan Defense Ministry reported retaliatory measures against the Pakistani airstrikes, targeting "strategic military centers and facilities" of the Pakistani army in the Kohat area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as reported by Kabul-based Tolo News.
Meanwhile, Pakistani media reported overnight airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting militant infrastructure linked to the Afghan Taliban and the group Fitna al-Khawarij. Islamabad-based Geo TV reported that Pakistani forces also aimed at military installations, broadening the operation's reach beyond militant hideouts.
No official confirmation has yet been provided by Pakistan. With the recent fatalities in Afghanistan, the overall death toll has risen to 99, including 13 soldiers and one civilian in Pakistan, and 13 soldiers and 72 civilians in Afghanistan.
According to UN data, between February 26 and March 5, Afghanistan reported 185 civilian casualties, including 56 deaths from indirect fire and aerial attacks. The deteriorating relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have led to escalating border tensions, resulting in casualties and property damage.
Pakistan maintains that its military operations solely target terrorists and accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants who attack its territory, a charge that Kabul denies. Pakistani Information Minister Tarar stated that Islamabad has killed 663 Afghan Taliban operatives and militants, while Kabul claims 55 Pakistani soldiers have died in the conflict, though these figures have not been independently verified.