In a tragic escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban government has reported that Pakistani military strikes in Afghanistan’s Khost province have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including nine children and one woman. The strikes, which targeted a civilian residence, also injured four others in the border regions of Kunar and Paktika. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack, labeling it an act of aggression by Pakistani forces. This incident marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two nations, which have historically maintained close ties. The violence comes amid the collapse of peace negotiations between the two countries earlier this month. Mujahid stated that the talks failed due to Pakistan’s demand that Afghanistan assume responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security, a condition he deemed unreasonable. The recent clashes follow a series of military confrontations between the two nations, including Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul targeting the leader of the Pakistani Taliban. Despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Doha in October, efforts to reach a long-term resolution have been unsuccessful, with disagreements over militant groups operating in Afghanistan remaining a key point of contention.