Pakistan’s military conducted air strikes in Afghanistan on Sunday, targeting locations it identified as “camps and hideouts” used by armed groups responsible for recent attacks, including a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad that killed dozens.
Escalating Tensions
The strikes hit two border provinces in Afghanistan, with a drone strike reportedly targeting a religious school in Paktika province and additional attacks occurring in Nangarhar province. There was no immediate response from Afghanistan’s Taliban government.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated the military conducted “intelligence-based, selective operations” against seven camps and hideouts belonging to the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates. An affiliate of the Islamic State group was also reportedly targeted.
The ministry asserted it possessed “conclusive evidence” linking recent attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu districts to fighters operating “on behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership, and handlers.”
Recent Attacks Fuel Response
These strikes followed a series of violent incidents. Just hours before the air strikes, a suicide bomber attacked a security convoy in Bannu, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. On Monday, an attack in Bajaur, involving a suicide bomber and gunmen, resulted in the deaths of 11 soldiers and a child. The attacker in Bajaur was identified as an Afghan national.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Taliban government to prevent armed groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, but claims Kabul has not “undertake any substantive action.”
The strikes reach after a period of heightened tension between the two countries, stemming from border clashes in October that resulted in numerous casualties. A ceasefire mediated by Qatar in October has largely held, but talks in Istanbul failed to yield a formal agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Pakistan’s military action?
Pakistan’s military conducted the strikes in response to a recent surge in attacks within Pakistan, including a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad and attacks in Bannu and Bajaur, which they attribute to groups operating from Afghanistan.
What was the Taliban government’s response?
There was no immediate comment from Afghanistan’s Taliban government regarding the strikes.
Has Pakistan taken similar action before?
Pakistan conducted strikes inside Afghanistan in October, targeting militant hideouts.
Given the history of tensions and the lack of a formal agreement following recent talks, will these strikes lead to further escalation between Pakistan and Afghanistan?