Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have once again erupted after the Taliban accused Islamabad of carrying out drone strikes in Kabul, killing several people including civilians. The allegations come amid escalating border violence, marking one of the gravest confrontations since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
The United Nations has stepped in, urging both countries to protect civilians and de-escalate hostilities, warning that continued cross-border attacks could destabilize the entire region.
Deadly Strikes Rock Kabul’s Suburbs
According to Taliban officials, at least six people were killed and more than a dozen injured in a series of early-morning explosions that struck the Khair Khana and Bagrami districts of Kabul.
The Taliban Ministry of Interior stated that initial investigations indicate “foreign-made drones” were used in the attack and accused Pakistan of launching unauthorized aerial operations over Afghan territory.
“Pakistan has violated Afghanistan’s sovereignty by conducting airstrikes inside Kabul. These actions are unacceptable and will have consequences,” said Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
Residents reported hearing loud buzzing noises followed by multiple blasts that destroyed residential homes and a warehouse suspected of storing weapons. Footage shared on Afghan social media showed plumes of black smoke rising over the capital.
Pakistan Denies Involvement
Islamabad swiftly rejected the allegations, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.” Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement emphasizing that the country “respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty” and has not carried out any strikes in Kabul.
“Pakistan has not undertaken any drone operation across the border. We are committed to working with Afghanistan for regional peace,” said a senior Pakistani official.
However, military analysts believe Pakistan may have intensified surveillance operations near the Durand Line following recent Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks on Pakistani troops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Some observers suggest that unidentified UAVs spotted over Kabul could be part of Islamabad’s effort to monitor TTP hideouts, though the Pakistani government maintains that such operations are limited to its own airspace.
UN and Global Community Call for Restraint
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned the strikes and called for immediate protection of civilians.
“The use of armed drones and cross-border bombardments is escalating civilian harm. All parties must prioritize restraint and accountability,” UNAMA said in an official statement.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also urged both countries to engage in “direct dialogue” to prevent further bloodshed.
The United States, while avoiding direct comment on Pakistan’s role, expressed concern over renewed instability. A Pentagon spokesperson stated that Washington is “closely monitoring the security situation” and supports diplomatic measures to contain violence.
Meanwhile, China and Iran — both regional stakeholders — echoed calls for calm, warning that “uncontrolled escalation” could disrupt trade corridors and humanitarian aid across South Asia.
A Fragile Relationship at Breaking Point
Relations between the Taliban government and Pakistan have been strained for months. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of harboring TTP militants, while Kabul insists that Pakistan’s military is interfering in Afghan internal affairs.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistan has carried out several airstrikes in border provinces like Khost and Kunar, targeting alleged TTP hideouts. These operations have repeatedly triggered diplomatic protests from Kabul.
The Taliban’s latest accusation — that Pakistan has extended its attacks to Kabul itself — represents an alarming escalation and could push both sides toward open conflict.
“This is no longer just a border issue,” said Afghan security analyst Rahim Safi. “The Taliban feels encircled and disrespected, while Pakistan is frustrated over growing terror attacks at home. The risk of war is real.”
Civilians Bear the Brunt
In Kabul, the aftermath of the alleged drone strikes has been devastating. Witnesses described scenes of panic as residents fled bombed-out neighborhoods. Hospitals have appealed for blood donations and medical supplies to treat the wounded.
Local NGOs report that at least 15 homes were damaged, and hundreds of families have been displaced. “We heard drones, then explosions — everything shook,” said Fatima Ahmad, a teacher from Khair Khana. “We don’t know who attacked us, only that innocent people died.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that continued violence could worsen Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian crisis, where over 23 million people rely on aid.
Regional Repercussions Loom
Analysts fear that the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict could destabilize neighboring regions, complicating international efforts to combat terrorism.
Experts say Pakistan’s alleged use of drones in urban Afghan areas could undermine counter-terror cooperation and alienate the Taliban, reducing chances of a diplomatic settlement.
“If Islamabad is indeed behind these strikes, it risks creating an enemy out of a former ally,” said geopolitical expert Dr. Saira Khan. “Afghanistan may retaliate militarily or through proxy networks.”
The conflict also places China’s Belt and Road projects and Central Asian trade routes at risk, particularly those that pass through Balochistan and northern Afghanistan.
Conclusion
As the Taliban accuses Pakistan of drone strikes in Kabul, the region edges closer to a new phase of conflict marked by aerial warfare, political mistrust, and humanitarian fallout.
With both governments trading blame and civilians paying the price, international mediators face the daunting task of preventing another prolonged confrontation.
The UN’s warning underscores the urgency: without restraint and dialogue, the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict could evolve into a multi-front regional crisis with far-reaching implications.
“The skies over Kabul may soon be filled with more than drones,” warned one Afghan commentator. “They could carry the weight of another war.”