Pakistans Air Strikes in Afghanistan Leave Uncertainty and Concern Behind

Pakistani Strikes on Afghan Territory Result in Civilian Casualties

A series of strikes launched by Pakistan’s military targeted armed groups operating in eastern provinces of Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians. According to reports, the attacks occurred in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, with multiple districts affected.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the bombardment began at midnight on Saturday and continued for several hours, causing significant damage to homes and a school. Authorities reported that 23 family members were killed in one house alone, while five others were taken into custody.

The Afghan Ministry of Defence has stated that it will respond to the Pakistani strikes with an “appropriate and calculated response”. The incident marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two countries, which have been locked in a dispute since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

According to the United Nations mission in Afghanistan, at least 70 Afghan civilians were killed by Pakistani military action between October and December. Negotiations between the two countries have been ongoing, with Saudi Arabia mediating recent releases of captured Pakistani soldiers. The deteriorating relationship has resulted in a significant closure of the land border between the two nations for several months.

Source: Al Jazeera