In a significant escalation of cross-border tensions, Pakistan has conducted targeted airstrikes inside Afghan territory, marking a forceful response to a deadly militant attack that killed seven Pakistani soldiers earlier today.
Border Attack Sparks Military Retaliation
The crisis began when militants launched a coordinated assault from Afghan soil on a Pakistani military post in North Waziristan's Kurram district. The attack resulted in the deaths of seven Pakistani soldiers, including a high-ranking officer, prompting immediate condemnation from Islamabad.
Pakistani military sources confirmed the retaliatory strikes targeted militant positions in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktika provinces, areas known to harbour terrorist elements operating against Pakistan.
Taliban Confirms Civilian Casualties
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's chief spokesperson, acknowledged the Pakistani military action, stating that the airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of three women and three children. The Taliban government strongly condemned what it described as "reckless" violation of Afghan sovereignty.
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory," Mujahid asserted in an official statement, while denying any Afghan involvement in the initial border attack.
Deteriorating Bilateral Relations
This violent exchange represents one of the most serious escalations between the neighbouring nations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban government of providing safe haven to militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which Islamabad claims operates freely from Afghan soil.
The Pakistani foreign ministry issued a stern warning, stating: "Terrorists are using Afghan territory with impunity to carry out activities inside Pakistan. This must be stopped if we want to maintain peace between our two countries."
Regional Security Implications
Security analysts warn that this incident could significantly destabilise the already fragile security situation in the region. The cross-border violence comes amid increasing militant activity in both countries and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of border security protocols between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned that further escalation could trigger a broader regional conflict with implications for global security interests in South Asia.
