India on Saturday strongly condemned the latest airstrikes carried out by Pakistan inside Afghanistan, describing them as another act of aggression by the Pakistani establishment. The strikes reportedly resulted in civilian deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Afghan officials confirmed that several civilians were killed in the airstrikes carried out on Friday across multiple provinces including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktika and Paktia.
Responding to media queries, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, issued a strong statement criticising the attacks.
“India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan,” he said.
India also reiterated its position that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected.
Civilian Casualties Reported In Multiple Provinces
According to Afghan authorities, the Pakistani air raids resulted in several casualties and injuries among civilians.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Afghan government, stated that at least four people were killed and more than 25 injured in Kabul alone.
Officials further said that Pakistani aircraft conducted strikes not only in Kabul, but also targeted areas in Kandahar, Paktika, Khost and Nangarhar during raids carried out on Thursday night and Friday.
Reports also indicated that an oil depot in Kandahar was among the targets during the strikes.
Afghanistan Claims Retaliatory Strikes
Following the attacks, Afghanistan said it launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistani military positions.
In a statement, Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence said Afghan forces targeted military centres and installations in the Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
The strikes reportedly focused on a military fort in Kohat and a war command centre near the Durand Line, which forms the disputed border between the two countries.
Sharing the development on X, the Afghan defence ministry said:
“In response to last night’s incursions by the Pakistani military regime, Afghan air forces conducted strikes this morning on strategic military centres and installations of the Pakistani army in the Kohat area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Rising Tensions Along The Border
The latest exchange of strikes highlights growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both sides accusing each other of cross-border aggression.
India’s statement reiterating support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity signals its continued concern over the regional security implications of the escalating conflict.