Pakistan Strikes Kabul: Unveiling the Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict
Recently, Pakistan has intensified its military engagement with Afghanistan, conducting air strikes in the capital city of Kabul and other locations. The situation escalated after clashes along the shared border, leading to Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, declaring an “open war” against the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan.
Conflict Overview: Pakistan Strikes Kabul
The confrontation between the two nations intensified after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani military positions near the Durand Line. Following this provocation, Pakistan launched air strikes on various targets within Afghanistan, including Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar.
Details of the Air Strikes
On Friday morning, the first air strike occurred at approximately 1:50 am local time. Afghan forces responded with anti-aircraft fire. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the strikes targeted Taliban defense positions.
- Two brigade bases were reportedly destroyed.
- Targets included military installations in several Afghan provinces.
- Reports indicate attacks in regions such as Kandahar and Paktia.
Conflicting casualty reports emerged from both sides. Pakistan claims to have killed 133 Taliban forces and destroyed 27 military posts during the strikes. However, Afghan officials contest this, reporting lower figures.
Reasons Behind the Hostilities
The current violence is rooted in longstanding tensions, exacerbated by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Since then, Pakistan has accused the Taliban of harboring militant groups that threaten its security.
- The Durand Line, spanning 2,611 km, remains a contentious border.
- Afghanistan does not recognize this border, viewing it as a colonial imposition.
- Over 75 clashes have occurred between Afghan and Pakistani forces since 2021.
International Responses
The escalating conflict has drawn responses from various nations. India condemned Pakistan’s actions, citing civilian casualties during the holy month of Ramadan. The United Nations urged both nations to adhere to international law and initiate dialogue to resolve their differences.
Iran’s Foreign Minister called for good neighborly relations, while Russia has expressed willingness to mediate the ongoing conflict.
Conclusion
As tensions rise between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the potential for further violence remains significant. Observers note that continued military engagement could lead to catastrophic consequences for the region, particularly for Afghanistan, which is less equipped to handle modern warfare. The situation continues to develop, and international diplomatic efforts are crucial to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.
