Pakistan conducts strikes in Afghanistan amid rising border tensions

14:40

Pakistan announced that its forces carried out overnight airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeting alleged militant hideouts in Kandahar, as tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border escalate. State media reported that military installations and technical infrastructure used by the Afghan Taliban and Pakistani militants were destroyed.

One strike reportedly targeted a tunnel housing equipment used by the Afghan Taliban and local militant groups, in an operation Islamabad called “Ghazab-lil-Haq” or “Righteous Fury.” Pakistani officials said the operation would continue until their security concerns are addressed.

These attacks follow recent Afghan military actions along the border in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. Pakistan reported intercepting rudimentary Afghan drones and stated that at least four people, including two children, were injured during clashes.

Relations between the two neighbors have worsened in recent weeks. UN data indicates that between February 26 and March 5, 185 civilians in Afghanistan, including 56 killed by indirect fire or airstrikes, suffered casualties. Both sides have reported fatalities among soldiers and civilians, with 99 people killed in total.

Pakistan asserts that it only targets militants and accused India of supporting terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. India condemned the strikes, calling for respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.