FILE PHOTO 

Kabul, Afghanistan – At least 46 people were killed in an airstrike conducted by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Taliban claimed on Wednesday.

The strike, which reportedly targeted suspected militant hideouts, has drawn strong condemnation from Afghan authorities and residents.

The incident occurred late Tuesday night in the Barmal district of Paktika, a region near the border with Pakistan. Local witnesses described scenes of devastation, with homes reduced to rubble and civilians, including women and children, among the casualties.

Mujahid issued a statement condemning the airstrike, labeling it a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. "The attack is a blatant aggression against our nation and its people," he said, adding that the Taliban government is investigating the incident and will respond accordingly.

The Pakistani military has not yet commented on the allegations. However, cross-border tensions between the two nations have been escalating in recent months, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan-based militants of orchestrating attacks on its soil.

 Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the rising civilian toll and called for an immediate cessation of such actions.

The international community has also taken note of the incident, with calls for restraint from both sides. Observers warn that continued hostilities could further destabilize the already volatile region.

This latest development adds to the growing strain between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as both nations grapple with issues of border security and mutual distrust.

The latest attacks come after 16 Pakistani soldiers killed in militants attack in Waziristan district near Afghan border on this weekend.