Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan rose after Pakistan launched airstrikes targeting Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan. In response, the Taliban launched a series of attacks, escalating the conflict.
On December 24, Pakistan struck several villages in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, including the Barmal district. These airstrikes killed at least 46 people, including women and children. The death toll is likely to rise. Villages like Laman and Murg Bazaar also suffered severe damage, deepening the region’s humanitarian crisis.
This strike follows a similar attack in March, when Pakistan targeted Taliban hideouts. While Pakistani authorities have not confirmed the details, reports suggest the airstrikes were part of Pakistan’s strategy to target militants operating near the border.
Taliban’s response and retaliation
The Taliban quickly vowed retaliation. They condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and reaffirmed their right to defend the country. They also claimed that Waziristani refugees were among those killed in the airstrikes.
In retaliation, the Taliban carried out attacks “beyond the hypothetical line,” referring to the disputed border region with Pakistan. While Afghan officials did not mention Pakistan by name, their statement made it clear they see the area as part of Afghan territory.
According to sources within the Taliban, the retaliatory strikes killed 19 Pakistani soldiers and three Afghan civilians. However, Pakistan has not yet confirmed these casualties.
The durand line and border disputes
The ongoing dispute over the Durand Line continues to fuel tensions. Afghanistan does not recognise this boundary as legitimate, and the Taliban has refused to accept it as the official border. This issue has been a long-standing source of discord between the two countries.
In addition, Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harbouring militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who launch attacks into Pakistan from Afghan territory. The Taliban, however, denies providing a safe haven for such groups.
These recent events highlight the fragile relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Despite both nations expressing the desire for peace, underlying disputes and territorial concerns remain major obstacles.
Furthermore, the humanitarian toll of these ongoing attacks continues to rise. Civilians on both sides suffer as the violence persists, and recovery efforts struggle amid the conflict. As tensions heighten, both governments appear determined to protect their sovereignty, but the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.
