Islamabad/Kabul, June 29, 2026: Pakistan has launched a series of cross-border airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, with Taliban authorities claiming that at least 35 civilians, including women and children, were killed in what they described as a “double-tap” attack. Pakistan, however, maintains that the operation targeted terrorist hideouts belonging to militant groups responsible for recent attacks inside the country.
What Happened?
According to Afghan officials, Pakistani fighter jets carried out overnight strikes in the eastern Afghan provinces of Paktika, Paktia, and Kunar. The attacks reportedly hit residential areas and mosques near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Taliban authorities alleged that the strikes followed a “double-tap” pattern—a second wave of bombing reportedly occurred shortly after the initial attack, when local residents and rescuers had gathered to help the injured. Afghan officials said this significantly increased the number of casualties.
What Is a ‘Double-Tap’ Strike?
A double-tap strike refers to a military tactic in which a second attack is launched on the same location shortly after an initial strike. Critics argue that such attacks can endanger first responders and civilians arriving to assist victims of the first strike. The tactic has been widely debated under international humanitarian law.
Casualties
The Taliban government said the strikes resulted in:
More than 35 civilians killed, including children and elderly residents.
Over 100 people injured, many with critical injuries.
Homes and local mosques sustaining heavy damage.
Hospital officials in eastern Afghanistan reported receiving dozens of injured civilians following the bombardment.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan rejected accusations that it deliberately targeted civilians. The country’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the military operation was launched against Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following recent terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
According to Islamabad:
Security forces first conducted an intelligence-based ground operation.
Precision airstrikes then targeted militant hideouts across the border.
Pakistan claimed that 29 militants were killed during the operation.
Why Pakistan Launched the Strikes
The operation came after a series of militant attacks in Pakistan, including an assault in Karachi in which several security personnel were killed.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing TTP militants to operate from Afghan territory. The Taliban government has consistently denied these allegations, insisting that Afghanistan is not being used as a base for attacks against neighboring countries
