Overview
- The Afghan Taliban said on Friday it carried out overnight airstrikes against alleged ISKP hideouts in Qila Abdullah, Shakar Ab in Chagai and Orakzai.
- Pakistan's information ministry rejected the Taliban account as false and said Pakistan Air Force air defences neutralised a rudimentary Taliban drone near Shinko.
- Major news outlets reported the competing official claims while independent on‑the‑ground verification of strikes, damage or casualties is absent.
- The incident follows recent Pakistani cross‑border raids that Islamabad says killed 26 militants and Taliban statements that those strikes killed civilians, a cycle that has driven mass displacement.
- Mediated ceasefire efforts have failed to hold and analysts warn the latest exchange could prompt further reprisals and greater civilian harm along the border.