Pakistan has conducted a series of air strikes inside Afghanistan, reportedly killing dozens, in what it describes as a response to militant attacks on its soil. The United Kingdom has called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the cross-border violence risks destabilising a region already fractured by decades of conflict.
The strikes, which took place in the early hours of this morning, targeted suspected hideouts of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the eastern provinces of Khost and Paktika. Afghan officials claim that civilians were among the casualties, a charge Pakistan denies. ‘We struck with precision against terrorists who have long enjoyed safe harbour across the border,’ a Pakistani military spokesperson said. ‘Our sovereignty and the lives of our citizens are non-negotiable.’
The TTP, a distinct group from the Afghan Taliban, has escalated its attacks on Pakistani security forces since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Islamabad accuses the Afghan government of failing to rein in the militants, a charge Kabul rejects.
The UK Foreign Office released a statement expressing ‘deep concern’ over the escalation. ‘We call on all parties to observe an immediate ceasefire and to prioritise dialogue,’ the statement read. ‘Military solutions will only deepen the cycle of violence that has already cost too many lives.’
The international community has long struggled to contain the spill-over effects of the Afghan conflict. Pakistan has previously threatened unilateral action if Afghanistan does not act against the TTP. This is the first significant cross-border operation since 2021.
The strikes come at a delicate time. Afghanistan is grappling with a humanitarian crisis: millions face starvation following the economic collapse that accompanied the Taliban takeover. The country is also isolated diplomatically, with no foreign government recognising its administration.
‘The fundamental problem is that borders in this region are porous and poorly governed,’ said Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, a security analyst based in Islamabad. ‘Pakistan’s frustration is understandable, but unilateral strikes risk unravelling the fragile peace in Afghanistan.’
The Afghan Taliban condemned the attacks, warning of ‘severe consequences’ if Pakistan continues. However, analysts note that the group is unlikely to directly confront Pakistan, given its own dependence on Islamabad for trade and diplomatic channels.
The US, which withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, has yet to comment. China, a key ally of both Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, called for restraint but stopped short of condemning the strikes.
For the people living in the border regions, the fear is palpable. ‘We are caught between two fires,’ said a resident of Khost, reached by phone. ‘The Taliban and Pakistan both claim to fight terrorists, but it is civilians who pay the price.’
As the death toll mounts and international pressure builds, the question remains whether this escalation can be contained. The UK’s call for a ceasefire may be a first step, but without a broader political process, the region remains a powder keg.
