Afghanistan Retaliates After Pakistan Airstrikes Kill Dozens
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated sharply over the weekend after Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry confirmed retaliatory strikes against Pakistan. The move comes in response to Pakistani airstrikes last Tuesday that targeted a training facility in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province,resulting in the deaths of numerous civilians,mostly women and children.
The Afghan ministry, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), stated that its forces targeted locations within Pakistan that it claimed were used as “centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organized and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan.” While the ministry’s spokesperson, enayatullah Khwarzami, offered no details on the nature or outcome of the retaliatory strikes, a pro-taliban news outlet, citing unnamed sources within the ministry, reported the death of 19 Pakistani troops and three Afghan civilians.Pakistan’s foreign Ministry has yet to officially comment.
The news of the retaliatory strikes sparked celebrations in Khost province, Afghanistan, which borders the targeted Paktika province. Rasheedullah Hamdard, an organizer of a pro-military demonstration, described the scene: “All of them were chanting angry slogans against this action by Pakistan, such as ‘death to Pakistan.’ All Afghans are brothers,so it is indeed necessary that the nation and government show their pride in their blood.” Thousands participated in the demonstration, expressing support for the Afghan military’s actions.
This latest escalation highlights the ongoing friction between the two nations. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the Taliban government of failing to curb cross-border militant activity, a claim the Taliban vehemently denies, asserting that it prevents attacks originating from its territory.
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation posing a important concern for regional stability. The incident underscores the complex challenges facing the international community in navigating the ongoing instability in the region and the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further violence and loss of life.
This incident raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and the need for de-escalation efforts to prevent further loss of life and regional instability. The international community is closely monitoring the situation.
Tensions on the Rise: An Interview on the Afghanistan-pakistan Situation
World Today News Senior Editor: Welcome back to the World Today News Podcast. We’re joined today by Dr. Amina Khan, a senior researcher at the
Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies in Kabul. Dr. Khan, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Dr. Amina Khan: Thank you for having me.
Senior Editor: Today we’ll be discussing the escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan following the recent airstrikes. The Afghan Defense Ministry confirmed they launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistan after the deaths of numerous civilians in a Pakistani airstrike last week. Dr.Khan, can you shed some light on the complexities of this situation?
Dr. Khan: Certainly.
The situation is incredibly delicate. Both countries have long accused each other
of harboring militant groups that carry out cross-border attacks.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban government in Afghanistan
of allowing safe haven for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or the TTP, a group
engaged in a violent insurgency against the Pakistani state.
The Taliban, on the other hand, deny thes accusations,
asserting they have taken measures to prevent attacks from Afghan soil.
Senior Editor:
We saw reports and demonstrations of support for the Afghan military action within Afghanistan. Do you see popular support for retaliation in Afghanistan?
Dr. Khan:
Yes, there’s strong anger within certain segments of
the Afghan population towards Pakistan over these airstrikes.
The civilian casualties,especially among women and children,
are undeniable and have inflamed public sentiment.
These events have definitely tapped into a deep-seated mistrust
and past animosity between the two countries.
However, it’s important to remember that the situation isn’t
monolithic. There are also voices within Afghanistan calling
for restraint and dialog to prevent
further escalation.
Senior Editor:
What are the potential consequences of sustained tensions between afghanistan and Pakistan?
Dr. Khan: The ramifications could be severe.
A sustained conflict could destabilize the entire region.
We could see more cross-border violence, civilian casualties,
and a resurgence of militant activity,
potentially benefiting extremist groups
that thrive on instability.
Furthermore, this escalation could hamper
international efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan,
a country already grappling with a dire economic and humanitarian crisis.
Senior Editor:
Looking forward, what are some possible solutions to de-escalate
this volatile situation?
Dr. Khan:
This requires a multifaceted approach.
Firstly, both governments need
to engage in direct and constructive dialogue,
addressing each other’s concerns and seeking common ground.
Secondly, the international community, particularly regional powers
like China and Iran, should play
a more active role in mediating and facilitating talks.
addressing the root causes of the conflict
– the presence of militant groups and cross-border attacks
– is paramount. This necessitates a
concerted effort by both governments to dismantle these networks
and pursue lasting peace.
Senior Editor:
Dr. Khan, thank you for sharing your invaluable
insights with us today. Your expertise has shed light on this
complex and worrying situation. We hope for a peaceful resolution
in the region for the sake of both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me.
