Pakistan launches air strikes on Afghanistan after drone attacks
Pakistan announced a series of 10 air strikes on Afghan territory in response to alleged drone incursions. The attacks, aimed at sites used for drone launches, resulted in civilian casualties and heightened cross‑border tensions. Both sides blame each other, while regional mediators warn the flare‑…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Thursday, Pakistan’s armed forces carried out a coordinated air campaign that targeted ten sites in Afghanistan’s southern and eastern provinces. The strikes were described by Islamabad as a direct response to a drone attack that the Pakistani military said had been launched from Afghan soil the day before. The operation, which the Pakistani Information Ministry said was “deliberate, precise, calibrated and proportionate”, aimed at locations used to store and launch drones that had been used in cross‑border attacks on Pakistani territory.
What Happened?
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the strikes early Thursday, stating that the targets were linked to drone operations that had been fired at Pakistani border posts. The air campaign hit sites in Kandahar, Paktia and Khost provinces, with Afghan officials reporting that four civilians were killed and several others wounded. The Pakistani side, meanwhile, claimed that the attacks were limited to military objectives and that no Pakistani personnel were harmed.
Background of the Escalation
The flare‑up follows a series of incidents that have strained relations between the two former allies. In February, a violent clash between Pakistani security forces and militants in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reignited a long‑standing conflict that had been at a low level for months. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghan territory and launching attacks across the border. Kabul, for its part, denies harbouring anti‑Pakistani elements and insists that the incidents are an internal Pakistani problem.
Earlier this week, Pakistani troops reportedly foiled a cross‑border infiltration attempt by militants, after which Afghan forces allegedly fired eight drones and shelled Pakistani border posts. Pakistani air defence systems, according to Minister Tarar, detected and neutralised all the drones before they could reach their targets. In response, Pakistani forces launched artillery fire at Taliban border posts and mortar sites.
Casualties and Civilian Impact
- Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that four civilians were killed in the air strikes.
- Afghan officials also reported that at least three civilians died and four others were wounded in a separate strike earlier in the week.
- Pakistan’s Information Ministry said 28 militants were killed in a previous air strike on Monday, though Afghan authorities disputed the figure, citing civilian casualties instead.
- The United Nations mission in Afghanistan confirmed the civilian deaths and Kabul formally protested the attack.
Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar, speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, warned of the presence of more than two dozen anti‑Pakistani militant groups operating from Afghan soil. He called for the Afghan Taliban to dismantle these networks and take “credible and verifiable action” against them.
Afghan officials rejected Pakistan’s claims of drone attacks, labeling them as “shameless acts of aggression”. They warned that Pakistan’s air strikes would have consequences and called for a response to the perceived violation of Afghan sovereignty.
Implications for Regional Mediation
The latest round of hostilities threatens to derail ongoing mediation efforts by China, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have been working to broker a lasting peace between Islamabad and Kabul. The escalation comes at a time when both countries are under international pressure to resolve their long‑standing border disputes and curb militant activity.
What Happens Next?
Both sides have called for restraint, but the situation remains volatile. Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to regional peace and dialogue, while warning that any further violations of its sovereignty would be met with an immediate response. Afghanistan has protested the air strikes and urged Pakistan to address its internal security challenges instead of targeting Afghan territory.
As the two governments navigate this tense period, international mediators are closely monitoring developments to prevent the conflict from spiraling further and to keep the peace process alive.
Key facts
- Pakistan launched 10 air strikes on Afghan sites linked to drone attacks.
- Afghan officials report four civilian deaths, while Pakistan claims only military targets were hit.
- Both sides blame each other for cross‑border violence, with Kabul denying harbouring militants.
- The escalation threatens international mediation efforts by China, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
- The conflict could widen, affecting regional security and peace initiatives.
Why it matters
The air strikes represent a significant escalation that could undermine years of diplomatic efforts to stabilize the fragile border region and could trigger a broader regional conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What triggered Pakistan’s air strikes on Afghanistan?
Pakistan claimed that Afghan Taliban forces had launched drones and shelled Pakistani border posts, prompting a retaliatory air campaign targeting sites used for drone operations.
Were there any Pakistani casualties?
According to Pakistani officials, no Pakistani personnel were harmed in the strikes, though Afghan authorities reported civilian casualties.
How are international mediators responding?
China, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have warned that the latest flare‑up could derail their mediation efforts to broker peace between Islamabad and Kabul.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com
- [2] france24.com
- [3] dailytimes.com.pk
- [4] independent.co.uk
