Pakistan conducted a series of air strikes inside Afghanistan on Monday, targeting militant positions along the border. Afghan officials reported at least 15 civilian casualties, including women and children, in the province of Khost. The operation marks a significant escalation in cross-border tensions between the two neighbours.
Pakistani military sources described the strikes as a response to recent attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that have killed dozens of Pakistani security personnel. The TTP has enjoyed safe haven in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021, and Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban government to act against them.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the air strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and warned of consequences. “The Islamic Emirate will not allow anyone to violate our territory,” he said in a statement. Local reports from Khost indicated that the strikes hit residential areas and a religious school.
British diplomatic channels have been activated to prevent the situation from spiralling into a wider conflict. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that the British Embassy in Islamabad is in contact with Pakistani authorities, while the UK mission in Kabul is engaging with Taliban officials. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of cross-border military action. We urge restraint and dialogue to avoid further loss of life and regional instability.”
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for an independent investigation into the civilian casualties. UNAMA’s chief, Roza Otunbayeva, said: “These strikes must be thoroughly investigated. The protection of civilians is paramount under international humanitarian law.”
The development comes at a delicate time for regional security. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of harbouring the TTP, which has intensified its insurgency since the Taliban’s return to power. Afghanistan, meanwhile, faces economic collapse and international isolation, making it vulnerable to external pressure.
Analysts suggest that the air strikes could further destabilise the border region and strain the fragile relationship between the two governments. The US and China have also expressed concern, calling for de-escalation. Washington reiterated its support for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, while Beijing urged both sides to exercise restraint.
British diplomatic efforts are focused on encouraging a ceasefire and reopening channels for bilateral talks. A senior diplomat familiar with the situation said: “Our aim is to prevent this from becoming a proxy for larger regional rivalries. We are using all our diplomatic leverage to bring both parties back to the table.”
The situation remains fluid. Pakistani officials have indicated that further operations are possible if the TTP continues to operate freely from Afghan soil. The Afghan Taliban have not yet taken public steps to address Islamabad’s concerns, but internal discussions are believed to be ongoing.
For now, the international community watches closely. The risk of a wider conflagration depends on whether either side chooses to pursue a path of confrontation or compromise. British diplomats remain engaged, hoping to steer events towards a peaceful resolution.
