Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Sunday targeting militant camps located in Afghanistan, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries. The strikes were aimed at groups responsible for a series of violent incidents within Pakistan, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and their affiliates. The Pakistani military’s operations were described as “intelligence-based, selective operations” against seven identified camps.
The airstrikes, which took place in civilian areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, have drawn sharp condemnation from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense. They labeled the strikes a “blatant violation of Afghanistan’s national sovereignty” and a “clear breach” of international law. According to Afghan officials, the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including women and children, with authorities continuing to recover bodies from the aftermath.
These military actions follow a month marked by violence in Pakistan, including the recent killing of two soldiers in a northwest attack attributed to militants. Earlier in the month, a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad left dozens dead. Pakistan’s information ministry stated on Sunday that it possesses “conclusive evidence” linking the February attacks to TTP militants acting under the direction of their leadership based in Afghanistan.
Escalating Conflict and Regional Tensions
This new wave of airstrikes threatens the fragile ceasefire established between Pakistan and Afghanistan in October 2022. That agreement followed a series of deadly exchanges along their shared border, which stretches approximately 1,600 miles. The conflict had previously resulted in numerous civilian casualties and prompted Afghanistan to retaliate after Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Kabul.
Islamabad has long accused the Afghan government of providing sanctuary to the TTP, a claim that Kabul has consistently denied. In a November interview with CNN, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the country’s intent to eliminate the TTP leadership in Afghanistan, asserting that Pakistan would use “whatever means are available to us” to achieve this goal.
As the situation develops, both nations face the challenge of managing heightened tensions while addressing the impact on their civilian populations. The international community watches closely, aware that the outcome of this conflict could have significant implications for regional stability and security.