Pakistan has targeted what it says are militant hideouts in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, as fighting between the two nations continues. The cross-border attacks, which have included Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, represent the deadliest escalation in conflict between the countries to date. Islamabad has described the situation as an “open war,” raising concerns about regional stability amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Escalating Conflict
Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, stated that the military struck equipment storage facilities and “technical support infrastructure” in the attacks. The Afghan government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the strikes hit a site used by security guards during the day—which was empty at night—and a drug rehabilitation centre, reporting only slight damage and no casualties. Mujahid characterized the actions as Pakistan “continuing to invade and fuel the fire of war.”
Afghanistan’s defence ministry claimed to have retaliated with an attack on an army camp in Pakistan’s South Waziristan area, allegedly destroying the camp’s command centre and inflicting heavy casualties. Pakistan’s information ministry dismissed this claim as “propaganda,” stating only that a small drone was struck down and no military infrastructure was hit. Afghanistan also reported operations near Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, claiming to have captured a Pakistani military outpost and killed soldiers, claims Pakistan also rejected.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers of harboring militant groups, specifically the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban. Afghanistan denies these accusations, maintaining it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries.
The current clashes began in late February, following Afghanistan’s response to Pakistani airstrikes that Afghanistan claimed killed only civilians. This has effectively ended a ceasefire brokered by Qatar last October, which followed previous fighting that resulted in numerous casualties.
On Sunday, a mortar fired from Afghanistan reportedly destroyed a home in Pakistan’s Bajaur district, killing at least four family members and wounding two others, according to local official Adnan Khan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent Pakistani strikes?
Pakistan says the strikes were in response to attacks by militants operating from Afghanistan, and that Afghanistan’s government had “crossed a red line” by launching drone attacks on civilian areas in Pakistan.
What is Afghanistan’s response to the accusations?
Afghanistan denies Pakistan’s accusations of harboring militants and claims its territory is not used against other countries. They have also launched retaliatory attacks inside Pakistan.
What was the status of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan before this recent escalation?
A ceasefire had been brokered by Qatar last October after previous fighting, but that ceasefire has now been upended by the recent clashes.
As tensions continue to rise between Pakistan and Afghanistan, what impact might this conflict have on regional security and stability?
