Story perspectives

Taliban warns Pakistan after alleged airspace violation deaths

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 6:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces, claiming 28 militants killed.
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said three civilians died and four were wounded in Nurgal district.
UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan confirmed the three civilian deaths and four injuries.
Taliban foreign ministry summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires and warned of an appropriate Afghan response to the alleged airspace violation.

History

Historical Context

On 20 August 1998 the United States launched Operation Infinite Reach, striking al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan’s Khost region—sites previously run by Pakistan’s ISI and used by militants bound for Kashmir. The strikes killed roughly 30 militants and provoked widespread criticism, establishing a pattern of cross-border air attacks that resurfaced when Pakistan bombed Kunar and Paktika in 2024, killing 28 militants and prompting the Taliban’s diplomatic protest.

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Story summary

Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces, claiming 28 militants killed.
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said three civilians died and four were wounded in Nurgal district.
UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan confirmed the three civilian deaths and four injuries.
Taliban foreign ministry summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires and warned of an appropriate Afghan response to the alleged airspace violation.

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