Pakistan conducted airstrikes on major cities in Afghanistan and officially declared a state of “war” with its neighboring country, receiving backing from the United States but garnering concerns from various international entities. The strikes, in retaliation for a cross-border Afghan offensive, targeted 29 locations in Afghanistan with aerial bombardment, as confirmed by Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s prime minister.
In response to the escalation of hostilities, calls for immediate de-escalation were made by the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Diplomatic efforts from China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar were initiated to ease tensions in the region.
The United States expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks, stated Allison Hooker, the under secretary of state for political affairs, following discussions with a Pakistani counterpart. This recent operation marked Pakistan’s most extensive bombardment of Afghanistan since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, including strikes on key locations like Kandahar and the Afghan capital.
The conflict erupted after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops in response to earlier airstrikes by Islamabad, with both sides claiming significant casualties. The Taliban government reported 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and several captured, while Afghan troops suffered 13 casualties. On the other hand, Pakistan stated that 297 Afghan Taliban and militants were killed, with 12 Pakistani soldiers losing their lives. The Afghanistan government revealed at least 19 civilian casualties in Khost and Paktika provinces.
The deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have led to land border closures since deadly clashes in October. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of failing to address militant groups launching attacks within its borders, a claim denied by the Taliban government. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), responsible for most attacks in Pakistan, has escalated assaults since the Afghan Taliban’s rise to power.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced an “all-out confrontation” with the Taliban government, signaling open war. In contrast, the Taliban government expressed a desire for dialogue to resolve the conflict, emphasizing peaceful solutions.
The recent airstrikes represent a significant escalation from previous clashes, according to South Asia expert Michael Kugelman. Pakistan’s targeting has expanded beyond the TTP to the Taliban regime itself. Despite several rounds of negotiations and a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, lasting peace agreements have remained elusive.
The military operation follows previous Pakistani strikes in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, resulting in civilian casualties. Alongside military actions, both countries have faced deadly suicide attacks, including assaults claimed by the Islamic State group in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
