Afghan Taliban Forces Target Pakistani Areas in Retaliation for Airstrikes
The simmering tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated further as Afghan Taliban forces carried out strikes on what they described as "several points" across the disputed Durand Line. This action came just days after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan, which Kabul claims resulted in civilian casualties.
The Afghan Defense Ministry released a statement explaining the strikes were aimed at areas "serving as centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters" who allegedly orchestrated attacks in Afghanistan. Although the ministry did not explicitly name Pakistan, it referred to operations conducted "beyond the hypothetical line," a term used to describe the contested border.
Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khowarazmi stated, “We do not recognize it as Pakistani territory, and thus, we cannot confirm the location, but it was on the other side of the hypothetical line.” This reflects Afghanistan’s long-standing refusal to accept the Durand Line as an official boundary, a colonial-era demarcation imposed by the British in the 19th century. The line divides the tribal belt between the two nations, an area that remains a hotspot for militant activity and cross-border conflicts.
The retaliatory strikes reportedly caused casualties, though specifics remain unclear. Some reports from pro-Taliban sources suggest that several Pakistani soldiers were killed in the operation. Celebrations erupted in parts of southeastern Afghanistan, where large crowds voiced support for the military's actions and condemned Pakistan.
The Pakistani military has yet to officially comment on the retaliatory strikes. Historically, Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for attacks within its borders, a claim the Afghan Taliban routinely denies. The latest Pakistani airstrikes were allegedly aimed at dismantling hideouts of Islamist militants near the border but resulted in significant civilian losses, further straining ties between the two neighbors.
The Durand Line remains at the heart of the tensions. Afghanistan has never recognized it as an international border, and Pakistan's attempts to solidify the boundary, including constructing a border fence, have met resistance. This unresolved dispute has fueled cross-border attacks and deepened mistrust.
The ongoing hostility highlights the challenges of stabilizing relations between the two nations. With both sides blaming each other for harboring militants and attacking civilians, the prospects for peace seem distant. Analysts warn that unless diplomatic channels are effectively utilized, the region may see further escalations, exacerbating the humanitarian and security crises on both sides.
This episode underscores the fragile and volatile dynamics of the region, with broader implications for security and stability in South Asia.
