Pakistan initiated airstrikes on Afghanistan early Wednesday, ending a brief period of quiet following a tense period described as “open war” by Islamabad. This conflict has resisted international peace efforts.
Casualties and Damage
Afghanistan reported that the strikes targeted Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces. Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced that 13 individuals were killed, including 11 children, a woman, and an older man. An additional 14 civilians were wounded.
Pakistan confirmed the airstrikes, citing the targeting of militant hideouts responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan. They reported killing 26 militants. Both countries often report varying casualty numbers.
Ongoing Conflict
Since February, numerous casualties have resulted from the conflict between the two nations. That month, Afghanistan retaliated against Pakistan for previous airstrikes. Peace talks mediated by international parties have yet to secure a lasting ceasefire.
Pakistan blames Afghanistan for harboring militants conducting attacks in Pakistan, especially the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This group, though aligned with the Afghan Taliban, remains distinct. The Afghan Taliban has ruled Afghanistan since 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. Kabul denies offering sanctuary to these militants.
Community Mourning
In Khost, mourners gathered for the funeral of nine victims, comprising seven children, a woman, and a man, all from one family. The family perished when their home collapsed during an airstrike. Talib Gul, a mourner, noted that only two daughters from his uncle’s family survived.
Another strike reportedly hit Gul’s brother’s house, causing significant livestock losses vital to their livelihoods.
Diplomatic Tensions
The Afghan foreign ministry summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires, protesting the violation of airspace and attacks on civilian homes. Afghanistan’s deputy spokesperson Zia Ahmad Takal urged Pakistan to address its internal issues.
Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, confirmed on social media the destruction of a training center, hideout, ammunition cache, and a command facility associated with militants. Tarar emphasized the ongoing counter-terrorism operations intending to dismantle foreign-supported terrorism. The ministry disputed Afghanistan’s reports of civilian casualties, labeling them propaganda.
Recent Violence and Future Prospects
The airstrikes followed an attack by suspected Pakistani Taliban militants on a Pakistani security post, resulting in a gunfight with casualties on both sides. Calm returned to the border hours after the strikes.
The border closure since October has affected trade and travel, stranding many individuals. Pakistan declared an “open war” in February due to escalating attacks.
Previously, Afghanistan claimed a March Pakistani airstrike hit a treatment center, killing over 400, a claim Pakistan denies.
Hope for Resolution
China hosted peace talks recently, with both countries’ pledges to deescalate and find solutions. Pakistan remains engaged with China and other allies to find lasting peace.
Security analyst Masood Khan suggested enforcing a decree by Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, calling on the TTP to cease attacks on Pakistan as a path to resolving tensions.
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