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Pakistan strikes Kunar and Helmand; Kabul reports nine civilians dead, Islamabad says 22 militants

Pakistan carried out airstrikes at two locations in Afghanistan. Kabul says nine women and children died; Pakistan says it killed 22 militants. Neither toll is independently verified.

4 outlets · 1L · 1C · 2R First reported Account updated
Image: The Jerusalem Post
Image: Geo News
Image: Al Jazeera
Image: Arab News

1 / 4

The story, neutrally told

Pakistan carried out airstrikes in two Afghan provinces overnight, and both countries confirmed them on Thursday. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said at least nine people were killed and 11 wounded in Kunar and Helmand, and that three houses were destroyed. Kabul says all the dead were women and children, and Mujahid condemned the attack as "an aggression and crime".

Pakistan's Ministry of Information said the strikes hit militant camps at two locations and that initial reports suggested 22 militants were killed. The ministry said the strikes were part of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, that weapons and ammunition were destroyed, and that maximum precautions were taken to avoid collateral damage. Neither side's casualty figures have been independently verified.

The strikes follow about three months of relative calm. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring militants who attack Pakistan, and Kabul denies this. The UN mission in Afghanistan said last week it had documented over 1,100 civilian casualties from cross-border violence this year. Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February 2026, after an October 2025 ceasefire, and the two sides have not resolved their differences.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.

Left1 outlet

Framing
Leads with Kabul's claim that all nine victims were women and children, then gives Pakistan's claim.
Emphasis
Mujahid's condemnation and the escalation after three months of calm.
Leaves out or plays down
Pakistan's claim of precautions against collateral damage and the UN civilian casualty figure.
Charged language
“aggression and crime”
For example
“Kabul says all nine victims of the attacks were women and children.” — Al Jazeera

Centre1 outlet

Framing
Reports Pakistan's ministry statement: strikes on 'terror hideouts' with 22 militants reportedly killed.
Emphasis
Pakistan's security rationale, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, and the background of rising militant attacks.
Leaves out or plays down
Kabul's account of nine civilian deaths, women and children, and destroyed houses.
Charged language
“terror hideouts”“well-planned and calibrated”“Fitna al-Khawarij”
For example
“"Targets were destroyed with precision," the ministry said” — Geo News

Right2 outlets

Framing
Wire copy: AP via Arab News gives both accounts; Reuters via the Jerusalem Post leads with the Taliban toll.
Emphasis
The dispute over casualties and the UN civilian casualty figure (AP); the Taliban-Pakistan feud (Reuters).
Leaves out or plays down
Pakistan's operation name and its claim of precautions against civilian harm.
Charged language
“Former allies turned foes”
For example
“Pakistan denies striking civilians, and says it targets militants who carry out attacks inside Pakistan.” — Arab News
“Former allies turned foes” — The Jerusalem Post