Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces have killed nine civilians, including women and children, the Taliban government said on October 1.

Eleven others were wounded. Pakistan said its forces killed 22 militants in the operation.

The strikes targeted border areas Islamabad says harbour armed groups. The UN mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, said ten civilians were killed.

Kabul condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty. Pakistan has carried out similar cross-border raids before.

Tensions between the two neighbours remain high. Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants.

The Taliban deny the charge. Aid agencies warned the civilian toll could rise as more reports come in.

Pakistan’s military said the strikes hit training camps used by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Kabul rejected the claim and summoned Pakistan’s envoy. The border region has seen repeated clashes this year. Humanitarian groups called for restraint to protect civilians. The strikes are among the deadliest cross-border incidents this year.