Pakistan carried out airstrikes on 10 sites in Afghanistan early on Thursday, targeting areas allegedly used to launch drone attacks against Pakistan. The strikes hit the southern and eastern Afghan provinces of Kandahar, Paktia, and Khost. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported that four civilians were killed in the airstrikes. He condemned the attacks as "shameless acts of aggression" and warned of consequences for Pakistan.
The airstrikes were announced by Pakistani information minister Attaullah Tarar on social media. Tarar stated that the strikes were a response to Afghanistan's Taliban forces allegedly firing eight drones and shelling Pakistani border posts. Pakistani officials claimed that their troops had foiled a cross-border infiltration attempt by militants. However, Mujahid rejected Pakistan's claims of drone attacks, escalating tensions between the two countries.
This recent escalation threatens international mediation efforts by China, Türkiye, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to broker a lasting peace between Kabul and Islamabad. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of allowing militants to operate from its territory and carry out attacks across the border. Kabul has consistently denied these accusations. The situation remains volatile, with both sides exchanging accusations and threats.
Pakistani officials reported that security forces had neutralized eight rudimentary drones launched by the Afghan Taliban before they could enter the northwestern city of Kohat and the border town of Torkham. Afghan forces allegedly fired mortars and other heavy weapons at Pakistani border posts. Pakistani forces responded with artillery fire targeting Taliban border posts, mortar sites, and defensive positions.
The airstrikes on Thursday followed a similar incident on Monday, when Pakistani fighter jets struck sites in eastern Afghanistan that Islamabad claimed were militant hideouts. Pakistan's information ministry reported that 28 militants were killed in the Monday airstrikes, while Afghan authorities stated that at least three civilians died and four others were wounded. The UN mission in Afghanistan confirmed the civilian casualties.
The recent violence is linked to the Pakistani Taliban and allied militant groups, which have stepped up their attacks on Pakistani security forces. The Pakistani Taliban, formally known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, have been boosted by the Afghan Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar expressed concern about the presence of over two dozen anti-Pakistani militant groups in Afghanistan.
The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The international community is watching closely, as the conflict threatens regional stability. The airstrikes have caused significant concern, and efforts to de-escalate the situation are underway.
Key points
- Four civilians were killed in the Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory.
- The airstrikes were a response to alleged drone attacks by Afghan Taliban forces.
- The escalation threatens international mediation efforts to broker a lasting peace between Kabul and Islamabad.
