Islamabad has done it again. Missiles into Afghan soil. Casualties reported. The Foreign Office in London is scrambling.
Whitehall sources confirm the UK has made an urgent call for de-escalation. A regional war is the last thing anyone needs. Not now. Not ever.
But here's the rub. Pakistan's patience is frayed. Cross-border attacks from Afghan soil have been a persistent thorn. The Taliban in Kabul? Either unable or unwilling to rein in the groups. So Pakistan took matters into its own hands.
The strikes hit targets in Khost and Kunar provinces. Early reports suggest dozens dead, including civilians. The Taliban government has condemned the strikes. Tensions are at boiling point.
What does the UK do? The Foreign Secretary issued a statement. Calls for restraint. Urges dialogue. But the real conversation is happening behind closed doors. The UK is worried about a wider conflagration. A war between two nuclear-armed neighbours? Unthinkable.
Downing Street is watching Pakistan's next move. The lobby is buzzing with speculation. Could this spiral? The PM's team is briefing that all options are on the table for mediation. But will either side listen?
Afghanistan's stability is crucial. The UK poured blood and treasure into that country. Now it's a staging ground for attacks on Pakistan. The irony is not lost on Westminster.
This is a live situation. More details as they emerge. But one thing is clear. The region is a powder keg. And the UK is holding a fire extinguisher.
Eleanor Rigby, Political Bureau Chief.
