Tensions between South Asian neighbours escalated sharply on Thursday morning as Pakistan claimed to have executed airstrikes across 10 locations within Afghanistan. According to Islamabad, the targeted sites were actively utilised just a day prior to coordinate and execute drone attacks against Pakistani territory. This abrupt escalation has heightened cross-border instability and cast a shadow over diplomatic mediation efforts led by regional powers seeking to stabilise bilateral relations.
Dispute Over Border Infiltration and Drone Incursions
Details regarding the military operation were shared on X by Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, following briefings from security officials indicating that Afghan Taliban forces had deployed 8 drones and initiated gunfire against Pakistani border checkpoints. Officials stated that this confrontation began after Pakistani troops intercepted and foiled an attempted cross-border infiltration by militants. Officials in Kabul have not yet issued an immediate formal response to the morning strikes inside Afghan territory.
Fighter Jets Target Suspected Militant Hideouts
In contrast, Afghan Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid denied on Wednesday that Afghan Taliban forces had orchestrated or launched any such strikes. These opposing accounts emerged as Pakistani fighter jets struck targets across eastern Afghanistan that military authorities identified as militant strongholds responsible for recent provocations.
Overnight Clashes and Shelling Across Torkham and Kohat
Military officials previously disclosed that on Wednesday, Pakistani forces intercepted and downed 8 crude drones allegedly flown by the Afghan Taliban as they approached airspace near the northwestern city of Kohat and the border crossing of Torkham. Local Pakistani administrators reported that after security personnel repelled the initial infiltration attempt by militants, Taliban forces engaged in intense overnight shelling against Pakistani border posts, prompting the retaliatory dawn airstrikes.
