Kabul: Regional tensions have intensified after Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence claimed that its air force carried out coordinated strikes on alleged ISIS hideouts inside Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, marking a significant escalation in the already strained relationship between the two neighbours.
According to Afghan authorities, the operation targeted locations believed to be used by militants for planning and launching attacks against Afghanistan. The strikes reportedly focused on areas in Saranan of Pishin district, Shah Salim Valley in Chitral, and Kambar Khel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Taliban-led administration stated that the targeted sites served as operational centres for extremist groups involved in cross-border violence. Officials also claimed that one of the facilities struck was a school building allegedly being used by ISIS operatives and armed groups for planning militant activities.
In a statement, Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry said its armed forces had acted against locations posing a direct threat to the country’s security, adding that operations were aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. Afghan officials claimed that several militants were killed during the strikes, although an independent confirmation of the casualties has not been released.
The reported military action comes amid deteriorating ties between Kabul and Islamabad following recent cross-border incidents. Afghanistan has repeatedly accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties, allegations that have further deepened diplomatic tensions.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had earlier reported that previous Pakistani strikes along the Afghan border caused dozens of civilian deaths and injuries, including women and children, while cautioning that the casualty figures could increase after further verification.
India has also criticised Pakistan’s earlier military action inside Afghanistan. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs described the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and expressed concern over their impact on regional stability.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, rejected Pakistan’s longstanding allegations that it shelters militants responsible for attacks across the border. Reiterating its position, the Afghan Defence Ministry warned that it would continue taking action against any location it believes threatens the country’s security.
The latest developments are expected to add further strain to an already volatile security environment in the region, with observers closely watching the possibility of additional diplomatic or military responses from both sides.
