Pakistan's airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan have sparked outrage and condemnation from Afghan authorities, who claim dozens of civilians were killed in the operation. This move marks a significant escalation in tensions along the 2,600-mile border between the two neighbours, which has been strained since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021.
The latest violence follows weeks of intense conflict in February, described as a 'weeks-long war', which left hundreds dead and tens of thousands displaced, according to UN figures. Despite a March ceasefire agreement, sporadic cross-border attacks have continued, fuelling concerns over regional security and the humanitarian situation.
Pakistan claims it targeted hideouts and safe havens of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khwarij in Afghanistan, groups linked to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). The TTP has been blamed by Islamabad for a recent surge in attacks targeting police and security forces within Pakistan. While the TTP is distinct from the Afghan Taliban, the two groups are understood to be allies.
Afghan officials deny harbouring militants on their territory and accuse Pakistani operations of causing significant civilian harm. A strike in March on a drug treatment centre killed hundreds, according to UN reports, sparking outrage over Pakistan's military action. The ongoing instability along the border poses a complex challenge for regional security, with international actors like China attempting to mediate but so far failing to achieve a lasting resolution.
The closure of the frontier since October has hindered trade and movement between the two nations, exacerbating humanitarian concerns. As tensions continue to rise, efforts are needed to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further violence, not just for regional stability but also for the safety of civilians on both sides of the border.