Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes on parts of Barmal District in the eastern province of Paktika on Tuesday evening, sources told Amu TV.
The strikes reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, although the extent of the damage remains unclear.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid did not respond to Amu’s contact on the matter.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, also commented on the incident, citing initial reports of what he described as “heavy Pakistani air attacks” in Barmal. In a post on X, Mr. Khalilzad warned of possible retaliation by the Taliban if the reports were confirmed.
“There are initial reports of heavy Pakistani air attacks in Barmal district in Paktika. If true, the Taliban will likely respond,” Mr. Khalilzad wrote. “Rather than fighting, the two countries need an agreement that specifies that neither will allow its territory to be used by individuals or groups to threaten the security of the other and adhere to it.”
He noted that Pakistan’s envoy is currently in Kabul and questioned whether General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, would authorize negotiations to de-escalate tensions.
This comes as a Pakistani delegation led by Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, is in Kabul and held at least four meetings with Taliban officials on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
