ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s military said early Sunday it carried out strikes along the border with Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of Pakistani militants it blames for recent attacks within Pakistan. The strikes targeted seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, too known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State group.
Islamabad did not disclose the precise locations of the strikes. Reports on social media suggest the strikes occurred inside Afghanistan, though Kabul has not yet commented.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the operations as “intelligence-based, selective operations.” He stated that Pakistan has “always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region,” but that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens is a top priority.
The latest actions follow a recent surge in violence. Days prior, a suicide bomber and gunmen attacked a security post in Bajaur district, killing 11 soldiers and a child. The attacker was identified as an Afghan national. Hours before the border strikes, another suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in Bannu district, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.
According to Tarar, Pakistan possesses “conclusive evidence” linking recent attacks, including a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed 31 worshippers earlier this month, to militants operating from Afghanistan.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks. Islamabad alleges that these calls have gone unanswered. Pakistan is also urging the international community to press Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to uphold commitments made under the Doha agreement.
Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant violence in recent years, attributed to the TTP and Baloch separatist groups. The TTP is allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, though both groups deny accusations of operating from within Afghanistan. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense since October, following border clashes and reciprocal accusations of supporting violence.
A Qatar-mediated ceasefire has largely held, but the current situation raises concerns about its future viability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent strikes by Pakistan?
Pakistan said the strikes were in response to recent attacks within Pakistan, which it blames on militants operating from Afghanistan.
What specific groups were targeted in the strikes?
The strikes targeted seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State group.
Has Afghanistan responded to Pakistan’s claims?
As of Sunday, there was no immediate comment from Kabul regarding the strikes or Pakistan’s accusations.
Given the escalating tensions and recent violence, what steps might Pakistan take next to address the security challenges along its border with Afghanistan?
