Pakistan airstrikes leave homes in ruins in Afghanistan

Updated: 29/06/2026 - 19:01 GMT+2

Villagers inspect destroyed homes in Afghanistan's Paktia province after overnight airstrikes, as Afghan and Pakistani officials give differing accounts.

Destroyed homes in Afghanistan's Paktia province are seen after overnight airstrikes that Afghan officials say were carried out by Pakistan. Smoke rises from the rubble as villagers search damaged buildings and recover belongings.

Residents gather around collapsed homes while rescue efforts continue.

Afghan officials say at least 36 civilians were killed and more than 160 injured in strikes across three eastern provinces.

Pakistan says its forces targeted militant hideouts near the border in response to recent attacks inside the country, adding that dozens of militants were killed.

The strikes have further heightened tensions between the neighbouring countries, with Afghan authorities condemning the operation and warning they will respond.