Pakistan Launches Major Airstrikes Against Afghanistan Amid Escalating Tensions
Intensifying Conflict Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
The ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has escalated dramatically, with both nations engaging in aggressive military actions. Following a significant counterattack from Afghanistan, Pakistan's leadership, including Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, found themselves in a state of shock. In retaliation for the loss of over 55 Pakistani soldiers, Pakistan initiated Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, conducting extensive military airstrikes against Afghanistan on Thursday night. The strikes spanned from Kabul to Kandahar, causing widespread chaos, and the Taliban has confirmed the occurrence of these attacks.
Open Warfare Declared
The tension between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan government has now transformed into open warfare. A significant military operation, dubbed 'Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,' has been launched by the Pakistani military, targeting various Afghan cities including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia with airstrikes and bombings. Leaders from Pakistan, including Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Defense Minister Asif Khwaja, have labeled the situation as an 'open war' following increased skirmishes along the Durand Line, resulting in reports of heavy casualties.
Official Statements from Pakistan's Government
According to the Pakistani government, the airstrikes were a retaliatory measure against Taliban forces following unprovoked attacks on Pakistani soldiers. The military operation, named Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, was initiated in response to assaults from the Afghan army and Taliban fighters. This operation targeted Taliban military bases and infrastructure within Afghanistan, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
Conflicting Claims Amidst Ongoing Violence
The situation along the Durand Line remains highly volatile, with ongoing bloodshed between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both nations are making conflicting claims regarding casualties and border control, while civilians continue to be caught in the crossfire. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of overreacting to border disputes, while Pakistan asserts it is defending its territorial integrity against threats originating from Afghan soil.
How Did the Situation Escalate?
Conflicts and skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan are not uncommon, but the current situation has deteriorated significantly. The escalation began on February 22, when Pakistan conducted airstrikes that resulted in substantial casualties in Afghanistan. In retaliation, Afghan forces launched an attack that killed 55 Pakistani soldiers, captured several others, and seized control of multiple checkpoints. This recent clash is one of the most severe confrontations between the two neighbors in recent years, following months of skirmishes and failed ceasefires.
Understanding Operation Ghazab Lil Haq
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq is a military initiative by Pakistan aimed at targeting Taliban positions within Afghanistan. Launched on February 26, this operation includes both airstrikes and ground operations against Taliban-controlled military infrastructure. The name translates to 'Anger for Truth' or 'Anger for Justice' in Arabic, reflecting Pakistan's portrayal of the operation as a justified response to aggression. However, the international community is aware of the humanitarian impact of Pakistan's military actions in Afghanistan.
Reasons Behind Pakistan's Attack on Afghanistan
Pakistan claims that its military actions were a direct response to increasing hostility and attacks on its forces. The Pakistani government alleges that the Afghan Taliban army engaged in 'unprovoked firing' across several sectors of the Durand Line, resulting in casualties among its security personnel.
Retaliation for Cross-Border Attacks
Pakistan asserts that the Afghan army, aligned with the Taliban government in Kabul, initiated large-scale operations targeting Pakistani military posts. The Afghan side claims to have captured these posts and inflicted damage. While Pakistan denies these allegations, it maintains that it was compelled to act in response to cross-border attacks.