Wed Dec 25 09:31:37 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Launches Air Strikes in Afghanistan, Killing Dozens, Sparking Tensions

**Kabul/Islamabad –** Pakistan conducted air raids in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Tuesday night, targeting Pakistan Taliban (TTP) hideouts, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. While Pakistan hasn’t issued an official statement, sources confirm the strikes near the border, in Barmal district.

The Afghan Taliban government confirmed the attacks but strongly condemned them, claiming at least 46 civilians, including women and children, were killed. Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry spokesperson, Enayatullah Khowarazami, vowed retaliation, stating the attacks were “cowardly” and an infringement on Afghan sovereignty.

The raids follow a recent surge in TTP attacks on Pakistani security forces, including a deadly assault last week that killed at least 16 soldiers. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring the TTP, a claim the Afghan government denies. Pakistan’s UN representative recently stated that 6,000 TTP fighters are based in Afghanistan, posing a significant threat. Pakistan’s Interior Ministry reports over 1,500 violent incidents this year, resulting in nearly 1,000 deaths.

The timing of the strikes is significant, occurring hours after Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadi, concluded a visit to Kabul aimed at improving bilateral relations. Analysts suggest the air raids may severely damage these nascent efforts.

Security experts offer varied perspectives. Amir Rana of the Pak Institute for Peace Studies suggests the raids are part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism operation, “Azm-e-Istehkam,” while acknowledging that the Sadiq visit was intended to foster dialogue. Ihsanullah Tipu, a security analyst, criticizes Pakistan’s inconsistent approach to the issue, arguing for a more comprehensive strategy. He also suggests the TTP may retaliate for the reported civilian casualties.

The incident highlights the complex and volatile relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the TTP issue serving as a major point of contention. While Pakistan maintains it has shared evidence of TTP activity with the Afghan government, it believes its concerns have not been adequately addressed. The air strikes raise serious questions about the future of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and the potential for further escalation.

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