Pak targets suspected Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan; Kabul condemns airstrikes

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Tuesday, reportedly dismantling a training facility and killing several insurgents. The strikes, carried out in the mountainous region along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, mark the second such operation since March this year.

AP reported that four Pakistani security officials confirmed the strikes, adding that the targets included key militant bases. However, the extent of the airspace violation into Afghan territory and the methods used in the operation remain unclear. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the operation publicly.

Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry strongly condemned the airstrikes, alleging that civilians, including women and children, were among the casualties. Local residents reported that at least eight people were killed, with the toll expected to rise. The ministry described the strikes as a violation of international norms and labelled them an act of aggression.

In a statement, reported by the Indian Express, the Afghan Defense Ministry said, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers this a brutal act against all international principles and blatant aggression.” It further vowed retaliation, stating, “The defense of our territory is our inalienable right.”

The airstrikes occurred just hours after Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, visited Kabul to discuss bilateral issues. Sadiq met with Afghanistan’s acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani to offer condolences for the recent death of his uncle Khalil Haqqani, who was killed in a suicide bombing claimed by an affiliate of the Islamic State.

Sadiq also held talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation between the two nations for regional peace and stability. Despite these discussions, tensions escalated following the strikes, with Kabul reiterating that Afghan soil is not used to harbor militants targeting Pakistan.

Pakistan has long accused the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of using Afghan territory to plan and execute attacks within Pakistan. Security expert Syed Muhammad Ali described the airstrikes as a decisive move by Islamabad to deter militant activities. He emphasized that the operation targeted terrorist bases while aiming to avoid civilian casualties.

“This is a clear warning to the Pakistani Taliban that Pakistan will act decisively against terrorist threats both within and beyond its borders,” Ali said.

The latest airstrikes add to the strained relations between the two neighbors. While Pakistan asserts that such actions are necessary to neutralise security threats, Afghanistan’s government views them as violations of its sovereignty.

The developments underscore the challenges in achieving regional peace as both nations grapple with security and diplomatic tensions amid the looming threat of insurgent groups.