Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a critical flashpoint following airstrikes conducted by the Pakistan Air Force in the border provinces of Paktika and Nangarhar. The Taliban administration has condemned the strikes as a blatant violation of Afghanistan's national sovereignty and has warned of serious repercussions, while the incident follows a series of cross-border accusations regarding militancy, further straining the diplomatic and security ties between the two neighboring nations. Afghan officials claim the strikes targeted residential areas and religious schools, leading to civilian deaths.
Pakistan Military Claims Strikes on Terrorist Hideouts
The Pakistan military confirmed the operation, stating that the strikes were carried out based on credible intelligence. According to official statements, the targets were hideouts of the 'Fitna al-Khwarij' (FAK), its associates, and the 'Daesh Khorasan Province' (DKP). Pakistan maintains that these groups have been using Afghan soil to launch suicide attacks and other terrorist activities within Pakistani territory. The military emphasized that the operation was a necessary response to recent security breaches and aimed at neutralizing threats operating from across the border. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban to take decisive action against anti-Pakistan militants.
Taliban Allegations of Civilian Targets and Casualties
Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, strongly refuted Pakistan's claims, asserting that the strikes hit civilian homes and madrasas. According to reports from Afghan media and local authorities, the bombardment resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians, including women and children, while mujahid characterized the strikes as a 'cowardly act' and accused the Pakistani military of trying to compensate for its internal security failures by targeting innocent Afghans. The Taliban administration has stated that such actions will only deepen the animosity between the two nations and won't solve Pakistan's internal security problems.
Afghan Ministry of Defense Issues Retaliation Warning
The Afghan Ministry of Defense has issued a formal warning to Pakistan, stating that the Afghan security forces are prepared to defend their territory, while in a strongly worded statement, the ministry described the airstrikes as a violation of international law, neighborly principles, and Islamic values. The defense officials warned that Afghanistan would respond to these attacks at an appropriate time and in a calculated manner. The ministry further noted that targeting civilian infrastructure and religious centers is a clear indication of a failure in Pakistani military intelligence and security strategy, rather than a successful counter-terrorism operation.
Diplomatic Condemnation and Sovereignty Concerns
' Zaeef stated that Pakistan is evading its own responsibilities and targeting innocent people to mask its domestic failures. He argued that the violation of Afghan sovereignty is a serious matter that the international community must address. According to Zaeef, these military actions undermine the potential for peaceful coexistence and regional stability, creating a cycle of violence that benefits neither country.
Impact on Regional Security and Border Relations
The recent airstrikes have Importantly heightened the risk of military escalation along the Durand Line. For months, Pakistan has accused the Taliban of harboring the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while the Taliban has consistently denied these allegations, insisting they don't allow Afghan soil to be used against any country. This latest military intervention is expected to disrupt cross-border trade and diplomatic dialogue. Security experts suggest that the lack of trust between Islamabad and Kabul could lead to increased border skirmishes, further destabilizing a region already grappling with economic and security challenges. The Taliban's promise of a 'calculated response' suggests that the situation remains highly volatile.