Pakistan has conducted a series of air strikes inside Afghanistan, killing at least 46 people, according to Afghan officials. The strikes, which took place early on Tuesday, targeted villages in the Khost and Kunar provinces near the border. Pakistan’s military confirmed the operation, stating it was aimed at militant hideouts believed to be used by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The attack marks a significant escalation in cross-border tensions and threatens to destabilise the fragile peace process in the region.
The strikes come after a surge in attacks by the TTP inside Pakistan, including a suicide bombing last week that killed 50 people. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harbouring TTP militants, a charge the Taliban government denies. The Taliban, in a statement, condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty and warned of retaliation. Afghan analysts fear the incident could unravel the Doha agreement between the US and the Taliban, which led to the withdrawal of American troops last year.
The international community has called for restraint. The United Nations urged both sides to de-escalate and engage in dialogue. Meanwhile, the US State Department expressed deep concern over the attacks, while emphasising the need to respect Afghanistan’s territorial integrity. The strikes have also drawn condemnation from China, which shares a border with the region and has invested heavily in infrastructure projects.
Pakistan’s actions reflect a growing impatience with the Taliban’s inability to control militant groups operating from Afghan soil. The TTP, which is ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban but operates independently, has intensified attacks since the Taliban took power. Pakistan’s military leadership has stated that it will use all means to protect its citizens, implying further cross-border operations may follow.
The situation on the ground remains tense. Local residents reported heavy explosions and drone activity overnight. Hospitals in the region have been overwhelmed with casualties. The Afghan Ministry of Defense has announced it is reinforcing border positions. In Islamabad, political analysts warn that the strikes could further erode the Taliban’s international legitimacy and complicate efforts to secure humanitarian aid for Afghanistan’s economic crisis.
The episode underscores the enduring volatility of the region, where militant networks and state interests collide. Pakistan’s decision to go public with the operation suggests a strategic shift towards a more assertive posture. However, such unilateral action risks alienating the Taliban government, which has been seeking international recognition and economic assistance. The coming days will reveal whether this is a one-off operation or the beginning of a broader campaign.
