Pakistani airstrikes kill 36 civilians in Afghanistan, wound 160

Taliban officials say Pakistani airstrikes killed 36 civilians and wounded 160 in Paktia province, Afghanistan, on June 29, 2026. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.

The airstrikes targeted the village of Mandokhail in the Chamkani district of Paktia province. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani air forces of targeting civilians and condemned the attack. He said women and children were among the dead.

Pakistan did not confirm the airstrikes. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that Pakistan acts within the framework of counterterrorism and does not target civilians. She said Pakistan will continue operations against terrorist groups on Afghan soil.

Paktia province governor Abdul Rahman Akhundzada confirmed 36 dead and 160 wounded. He said most of the wounded were taken to hospitals, but some are in critical condition.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it is investigating the incident and expressed concern over civilian casualties. UNAMA spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay called on both sides to respect international humanitarian law.

Tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have escalated in recent years. Pakistan frequently conducts airstrikes against Taliban and other militant hideouts in Afghanistan. This incident could further strain diplomatic relations.

The Taliban government summoned Pakistan's ambassador to protest. Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry called Pakistan's actions "aggression" and urged the international community to pressure Pakistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not directly comment on the incident but said Pakistani forces will continue counterterrorism operations.

The civilian deaths drew international condemnation. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called on both sides to de-escalate and resolve the issue diplomatically.

This incident may worsen Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. The Taliban government demanded a halt to Pakistani airstrikes, warning of retaliation if they continue.