A fresh wave of violence has gripped the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier as Islamabad launches airstrikes into Afghan territory. Afghan authorities report civilian deaths from bombings in populated areas, intensifying a cycle of retaliation and blame.
In a strongly worded post, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid detailed the human toll: dozens dead and wounded in Nangarhar and Paktika after Pakistani jets struck overnight. Families mourn amid rubble, with women and children among the victims, Kabul says.
Pakistan counters that the raids were surgical hits on terrorist hideouts. Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the elimination of Pakistani Taliban camps and an IS-Khorasan ally tied to the Islamabad mosque suicide bombing—the deadliest in the capital since 2008, killing 31 and wounding 157.
The military emphasized prior warnings to the Afghan Taliban to dismantle these threats. ‘We sought verified action against terrorists using Afghan bases for attacks on Pakistan, but none materialized,’ a statement declared. Protecting Pakistani lives trumps all, they affirmed.
Relations have soured progressively since 2021, marked by deadly skirmishes and persistent claims of safe havens. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of enabling anti-Pakistan militants; the Taliban rejects this outright.
With accusations flying, the border remains a powder keg. Regional stability hangs in the balance as calls mount for de-escalation and renewed talks.