Afghanistan vows response after Pakistan airstrikes kill civilians

Afghanistan's Taliban-controlled government has sharply criticized Pakistan over a series of airstrikes that killed at least three civilians and damaged homes and shops in border areas, pledging to mount an appropriate response. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid denounced the Pakistani military operations, calling them violations of Afghan sovereignty. The strikes struck residential and commercial areas in Kunar and Paktika provinces, provinces that border Pakistan and have historically been affected by cross-border military operations. Mujahid's statement reflected growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad over security incidents along their shared frontier. Pakistan has not immediately responded to the Afghan government's accusations. Cross-border tensions between the two nations have periodically escalated, with each side accusing the other of military incursions and harboring militant groups. The latest incident underscores the volatile security situation in Afghanistan's eastern border regions, where multiple armed groups maintain a presence.