Deadly Airstrikes Escalate Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions
Pakistan has conducted military strikes on Afghanistan's Khost province, resulting in significant civilian casualties according to Taliban officials. The cross-border bombardment represents a serious escalation in tensions between the neighbouring nations.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that ten people lost their lives, including nine children - five boys and four girls - and one woman. The attack targeted a civilian residence in the border region, with additional strikes affecting Kunar and Paktika provinces, wounding four more civilians.
Retaliation Following Peshawar Suicide Attack
The aerial assault comes just one day after a devastating suicide attack targeted Pakistan's paramilitary Federal Constabulary force headquarters in Peshawar. That incident claimed the lives of three officers and left eleven others wounded.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the Peshawar assault, Pakistan's state broadcaster PTV reported the attackers were Afghan nationals. President Asif Zardari pointed fingers at what he termed "foreign-backed Fitna al-Khawarij" - Islamabad's designation for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants operating from Afghan territory.
This marks the second major security incident in recent weeks, following a suicide blast in Pakistan's capital Islamabad earlier this month that killed twelve people. A Pakistan Taliban faction claimed responsibility for that attack.
Deteriorating Bilateral Relations
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been increasingly strained since the Taliban regained power in 2021. The situation deteriorated further after deadly border clashes in October that resulted in approximately seventy casualties on both sides.
Although Qatar and Turkey brokered a temporary ceasefire following October's fighting, subsequent talks in Istanbul failed to produce a lasting agreement. Security concerns, particularly Pakistan's demand that Kabul restrain TTP fighters, have emerged as a major sticking point in negotiations.
Islamabad maintains that the Taliban government provides sanctuary to militants responsible for a surge in attacks against Pakistan. The TTP has waged a prolonged and violent campaign against Pakistani security forces for years.
Kabul consistently denies these allegations while counter-accusing Pakistan of hosting groups hostile to Afghan interests and disrespecting Afghan sovereignty. Pakistan's government and military officials have yet to comment publicly on the recent airstrikes.
