Pakistan Strikes 10 Sites Inside Afghanistan; At Least 4 Civilians Killed
After strikes hit Kandahar, Paktia and Khost provinces, cross-border gunfire continued along the frontier.
On 24 September, Pakistan carried out air and drone strikes on 10 locations inside Afghanistan. Islamabad claimed the sites were used to launch and store drones targeting Pakistan.
Casualties and targets
The strikes hit Kandahar, Paktia and Khost provinces. According to Afghan officials, at least 4 civilians were killed.
Border clash
The next day, Friday, there was gunfire in the Gulistan border area; Pakistani security sources said several Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and that fighting was continuing.
Context
The conflict has escalated since October 2025; Islamabad says the attacks are carried out by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called the clashes "open war" in February this year.
Why it matters for Uzbekistan
Afghanistan borders Uzbekistan; its north, including the area around Mazar-i-Sharif, is home to many ethnic Uzbeks. An escalating war next door can affect regional security and trade routes.
In brief
- Date: 24 September 2026
- Strikes: 10 sites (Kandahar, Paktia, Khost)
- Killed: at least 4 civilians (Afghan officials)
- Border: gunfire in Gulistan
