Escalating Tensions: Afghan Forces Down Pakistani Jet Amid Rising Conflict
Significant Military Escalation Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
On Saturday, tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan surged dramatically when Afghan Taliban forces reportedly shot down a Pakistani fighter jet in Jalalabad, capturing its pilot alive. This incident marks one of the most severe military confrontations between the two nations in recent years. Wahidullah Mohammadi, a military spokesperson from eastern Afghanistan, confirmed that Afghan forces successfully downed the jet and took the pilot into custody. This escalation follows Pakistan's airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar, the latter being the stronghold of Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Police spokesperson Tayeb Hammad informed news agencies that the Pakistani aircraft was downed in Jalalabad's sixth district, with witnesses reporting that they saw the pilot eject and parachute to safety before being apprehended. An AFP journalist noted hearing the jet overhead just moments before two explosions were reported near the airport in Jalalabad. As of now, Islamabad has not publicly addressed the loss of its aircraft.
Current Situation: Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
The conflict between Kabul and Islamabad has intensified, with both sides accusing each other of launching retaliatory strikes, raising concerns about a broader military conflict in the region. On Friday, Pakistan conducted airstrikes targeting Kabul, Kandahar, and other locations, while clashes continued along the border, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Afghanistan has expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations, according to reports.
Pakistan has declared an "open war" against Afghanistan following its airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, further escalating tensions. In a statement on social media, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced this declaration, expressing that Islamabad has exhausted its patience and accused the Taliban-led government of sheltering militants.
Despite Islamabad's assertions, Pakistan has faced ongoing international criticism for allegedly providing safe havens and logistical support to various terrorist groups operating in the region. Meanwhile, Kabul has firmly denied Islamabad's claims that militant groups are based in Afghanistan, asserting that Pakistan's security issues are internal matters.
As border skirmishes escalate, Pakistan has reported the deaths of over 270 Taliban fighters and injuries to more than 400 others due to airstrikes, while the Taliban's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that their forces have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and targeted significant military sites within Pakistan.
(With agency inputs)