Afghanistan and Pakistan trade claims over deadly air raids in two provinces

Afghanistan and Pakistan have issued conflicting accounts of air attacks in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces, amid renewed tensions between the neighbouring countries. Afghanistan’s government spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the strikes took place late on Wednesday and killed at least nine people, including women and children. He said 11 others were wounded and that three houses were destroyed.

Mujahid condemned the attacks as aggression and a crime against accepted principles. The Afghan government has accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes and killing civilians. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information said its forces had launched air attacks against hideouts used by armed groups in two locations.

It said at least 22 fighters were killed. Al Jazeera said it could not independently verify the casualty claims. The supplied material does not include accounts from residents, independent monitors or details of the sites hit.

The alleged attacks came after three months of relative calm but amid an escalation in fighting between the two countries. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring armed groups, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, which it says carries out attacks across the border. Afghanistan denies the allegation.

The source material does not state whether further strikes occurred, whether either side announced additional military measures or how the dispute might affect relations between the two governments.