Reports of a Pakistan airstrike in Afghanistan’s Khost province are unverified. Local sources confirm the violence stems from internal Taliban factional clashes, killing several commanders.
Recent reports circulating on Afghan social media claimed that Pakistan carried out an airstrike in Afghanistan’s Khost province. Afghan officials and some journalists echoed these reports, with Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid alleging on social media platform X that Pakistan had “bombed” Khost and conducted strikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces.
Local Sources Confirm Internal Taliban Clashes
However, local sources reveal that the reported strikes are actually the result of internal fighting among Taliban factions and extremist groups, not cross-border operations. The clashes erupted in Mughalgai, Bermal, and Margha districts, where heavy weapons were reportedly used, resulting in significant casualties.
Key Commanders Killed in Fighting
Several key commanders, including Sajna Mehsud, Khawra Mehsud, Noorullah, and Azmat Lala—who was linked to recent attacks—were reportedly killed during the infighting. Members of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and various Taliban factions were also among the casualties, highlighting the deep divisions and mistrust within the TTP and affiliated groups.
The alleged airstrike claim coincided with a deadly suicide attack on the Federal Constabulary headquarters, which left three personnel martyred and 12 injured. Analysts say that unverified claims of foreign involvement distort the ground reality and complicate the security situation in the region.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has urged the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul to take action against terrorist bases operating on Afghan soil to prevent cross-border attacks. Experts stress that addressing extremist strongholds within Afghanistan is key to regional stability, rather than focusing on unverified allegations.
