Low-Flying Pakistani Fighter Jets Stir Panic in Afghanistan’s Khost Province: Sources
Residents in Afghanistan’s southeastern Khost province reported being jolted awake and gripped with fear late Wednesday night as low-flying Pakistani military jets patrolled the skies over several border villages, local sources told Tawazon.
According to residents, the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, July 30 (8th of Asad), and continued late into the night. “The sound was deafening, and the jets were flying so low that it woke us from sleep,” said one resident of Bak district. “People are terrified. They thought bombing was imminent.”
Eyewitnesses said four fighter jets flew repeatedly over the districts of Bak and Ali Sher, specifically over the areas of Babark Tana, Dubgai, Soudak, and neighboring villages. While no airstrikes were reported, residents feared the patrols could precede attacks.
Local sources claim the aircraft entered Afghan airspace from Pakistan. Such incidents are not unprecedented; similar aerial intrusions by Pakistani jets have occurred in Khost, Paktia, and Paktika provinces over recent years, with some resulting in civilian casualties.
Reports from the United Nations and international human rights groups indicate that prior Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s border regions have killed dozens of civilians, including women and children.
Civilians living in Afghanistan’s border regions are calling on international organizations and human rights watchdogs to monitor such violations closely and take urgent action to ensure their safety.
As of now, the Taliban administration has not issued an official statement regarding this latest aerial activity.
