Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan with Two Airstrikes, Casualties Reported: Reuters

The Taliban in Afghanistan has announced that Pakistan has carried out two airstrikes within its territory, resulting in the deaths of five women and three children. The security forces have responded by using heavy artillery against the Pakistani forces, as reported by Reuters.

The airstrikes occurred as the neighboring countries blame each other for the recent militant attacks in Pakistan. Pakistan claims that the attacks originated from Afghan soil, a statement that has been denied by the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban's administration. He added that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of five women and three children in the eastern border provinces of Khost and Paktika.

In a separate statement, the Taliban's Ministry of Defense announced that they had struck back at Pakistani troops along the border in retaliation for the airstrikes.

Pakistan's army and foreign ministry have not immediately responded to requests for comments regarding the airstrikes, which occurred after unidentified armed individuals attacked a military position in Pakistan on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of seven security personnel.

While the exact cause of the attack is unclear, Pakistani government and security officials state that such attacks have become more frequent in recent months, with responsibility claimed by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and carried out from Afghan soil.