NEW DELHI: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated after Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces, with Kabul reporting that nine civilians, including women and children, were killed and 11 others injured.

Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes hit residential areas and destroyed three houses. Kabul condemned the attacks, describing them as an act of aggression. The reported civilian casualties could not be independently verified.

Pakistan gave a different account, saying its forces targeted militant hideouts at two locations based on what its Information Ministry described as credible intelligence. Islamabad said initial reports indicated that 22 militants had been killed and weapons and ammunition had been destroyed.

The latest strikes come after several months of relative calm between the neighbouring countries. Relations have deteriorated over cross-border militancy, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban authorities of allowing groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory. Kabul has denied the allegations and said militancy inside Pakistan is an internal issue.

The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan said last week that it had documented more than 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries from cross-border violence in Afghanistan so far this year.