Escalating Tensions: Pakistan and Afghanistan Engage in Airstrikes and Threats
Rising Hostilities Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated sharply following reports of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) executing multiple airstrikes across various Afghan cities on Friday. Pakistani sources indicated that these operations targeted Taliban positions, resulting in significant damage. In response to the airstrikes, reports emerged suggesting that Afghanistan's suicide squads are preparing to launch attacks within Pakistan. The Bakhtar News Agency, Afghanistan's state media, even released an image purportedly showing these bombers equipped with explosive vests.
According to Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban's deputy spokesman, retaliatory operations are currently being conducted in different regions along the Durand Line, which demarcates the border between the two nations, particularly in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Khost. Notably, the PAF's airstrikes occurred shortly after Afghanistan claimed to have initiated cross-border attacks in retaliation for earlier strikes by Pakistan.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Issues War Warning: On the same day, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Pakistan has exhausted its patience and now views its situation with Afghanistan as an 'open war.' In a statement on social media, he expressed disappointment over the Taliban's failure to prioritize the welfare of the Afghan populace and regional stability following NATO's withdrawal. 'Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us,' he stated.
Recent Airstrikes Following Ceasefire Violations: The military actions on February 22 marked a significant escalation, as Pakistan targeted areas it claims are hiding spots for Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups. Afghanistan condemned these strikes, asserting that civilian areas were affected.
Ceasefire Agreement from Last Year: In October of the previous year, deadly clashes along the border resulted in numerous casualties among soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants. Following these incidents, a ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and Türkiye. It is noteworthy that in 2021, Pakistan was among the first nations to welcome the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, with former Prime Minister Imran Khan stating that Afghans had 'broken the shackles of slavery.'
Pakistan's Claims Against Afghanistan: Recently, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring TTP and other militant factions that are targeting its forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, these allegations have consistently been denied by Kabul.