Pakistan’s military has conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan’s #Paktika province, targeting hideouts of the #PakistanTaliban (TTP) near #SouthWaziristan, according to security officials. The strikes occurred shortly after Pakistan’s special envoy, Mohammad Sadiq, met with Afghan officials to discuss #bilateralrelations.
The Afghan #Taliban confirmed the strikes, claiming they targeted civilians and resulted in at least 46 deaths, including women and children. Enayatullah Khowarazami, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s #DefenseMinistry, condemned the attack and warned of retaliation, asserting Afghanistan’s right to defend its territory.
The air raids follow escalating tensions between #Pakistan and #Afghanistan, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring TTP fighters who conduct cross-border attacks. Just days before the strikes, the TTP claimed responsibility for killing 16 Pakistani soldiers in #SouthWaziristan.
#Pakistan asserts that thousands of TTP fighters operate from Afghan sanctuaries, posing a significant #security threat. Despite repeated evidence-sharing by Pakistan, Afghan authorities deny providing refuge to armed groups.
The attacks are seen as part of #Pakistan’s ongoing #military operation, #Azm-e-Istehkam, launched to counter growing militancy. Analysts, however, criticize Islamabad’s approach as inconsistent and reactive, calling for a comprehensive, strategy-driven policy toward Afghanistan.
The Afghan #Taliban has promised retaliation, but experts suggest the TTP may respond with revenge attacks, potentially escalating violence in #Pakistan’s border regions. #Security experts warn that the strikes may further strain Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, hindering trust-building efforts.
Amid rising #militancy, #Pakistan’s Interior Ministry reports over 1,500 violent incidents this year, resulting in nearly 1,000 deaths. Analysts emphasize the need for Pakistan to develop a consistent #diplomatic strategy to address these challenges constructively.
#Pakistan #Afghanistan #Taliban #TTP #AzmEIstehkam #SouthWaziristan #Security #Militancy #BilateralRelations #CrossBorderAttacks #Diplomacy #PakistanMilitary #Paktika #DefenseMinistry #Retaliation #Conflict
