KABUL: Dozens of Afghan citizens were killed and many injured after the Pakistan Air Force conducted airstrikes on residential areas near th...
KABUL: Dozens of Afghan citizens were killed and many injured after the Pakistan Air Force conducted airstrikes on residential areas near the Afghanistan border. Islamabad launched the attack alleging that recent suicide bombings in Pakistan were orchestrated by terror groups operating out of Afghanistan.
"Last night, they bombed our civilian citizens in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Dozens of people, including women and children, were martyred and injured," Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Pakistan has carried out three such attacks since the start of Ramadan. Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, confirmed the strikes. He stated that "selective strikes" based on intelligence were conducted, targeting seven terror camps and hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates in the border region.
Pakistan also targeted the Islamic State faction that claimed responsibility for a recent mosque attack in Islamabad. That mosque attack resulted in 31 deaths and over 160 injuries, marking one of the deadliest incidents in Islamabad since the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing.
Pakistan's Stance
In a statement released by the Pakistan military, they accused the Taliban regime of failing to take significant action despite repeated requests to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorist activities. The military clarified that their priority is the safety of their citizens, and they are therefore delivering precision strikes in response.
Afghanistan's Response
The Afghan Ministry of Defense criticized Pakistan's actions as a violation of international law. They alleged that such attacks are being carried out to cover up Pakistan's internal failures. Afghanistan also warned that it would provide an "appropriate response" to these actions.
Background of the Conflict
Relations between the two countries have been deteriorating since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.
TTP Presence: Islamabad’s primary allegation is that the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) is based in Afghanistan and planning attacks against Pakistan from there.
Border Dispute: The Afghan administration does not officially recognize the 'Durand Line' border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which frequently leads to border skirmishes.
Diplomatic Failure: Although Pakistan initially welcomed the Taliban takeover in 2021, the Taliban's perceived inaction regarding the TTP has soured the relationship.
Civilian Casualties: While Pakistan claims to have targeted military centers, the deaths of civilians, including women and children on the Afghan side, have drawn international criticism.
Retaliatory Measures: In response to the airstrikes, the Afghan army reportedly fired heavy weapons at Pakistani border posts.
Refugee Crisis: Pakistan's decision to forcibly deport hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees has paved the way for a massive humanitarian crisis.
Regional Impact: Instability in this region is likely to affect neighboring countries, including India. The international community shares concerns that this situation could become favorable for extremist groups.
-News Desk
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