Pakistan Launches Airstrikes on Afghanistan After Drone Attacks, Escalating Tensions

Pakistan launched fresh airstrikes on September 24, 2026, hitting ten locations in Afghanistan, saying these places were used to launch drone attacks against its country. This strong action came just after Pakistan reported stopping eight drones from Afghanistan and shelling its border posts, showing a big increase in problems between the two nations. But the Afghan Taliban government, through its spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, quickly said they did not send any drones and called Pakistan attacks 'cowardly,' saying they killed four innocent people in Kandahar, Paktia, and Khost provinces, and warned of serious trouble. This new military action by Pakistan is part of a growing fight, with Pakistan often accusing the Afghan Taliban of protecting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters who carry out deadly attacks across the border into Pakistan, especially in its northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Afghan Taliban, even though they share similar ideas with TTP, always say these claims are false, arguing that fighting inside Pakistan is Pakistan own problem. Things got very bad earlier in February 2026 when Pakistan said it was in an 'open war' with Afghanistan after many attacks by fighters and border fights, with both sides attacking each other and making accusations. Now, there is a high chance the Afghan side will hit back, as their spokesperson has clearly said they will give a 'firm and resolute response'. This back-and-forth fighting makes it very hard for international efforts by countries like China, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, who have been trying to help Pakistan and Afghanistan find peace. Everyone around the world will be watching to see if talking can calm things down, or if this area will see an even bigger fight, adding to the already serious problems for innocent Afghan people.