Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes in Kabul and Border Provinces, Resulting in Civilian Casualties and Tensions with Afghanistan
Afghan officials reported that Pakistan conducted fresh airstrikes in Kabul and border provinces, resulting in the deaths of four individuals in the capital. A Pakistani security official confirmed the strikes, stating that they targeted the Pakistani Taliban group, TTP. Islamabad initiated the airstrikes as part of an operation to combat militancy following increased attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban government denied any involvement in militancy or the use of Afghan territory for such activities.
Kabul police spokesperson Khalil Zadran disclosed that four people were killed and 15 others were injured in the bombardment that struck homes in the capital, with women and children among the casualties. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported that Pakistani airstrikes also hit Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika provinces, which share borders with Pakistan. In Kandahar, airstrikes targeted a fuel depot for airline Kam Air near the airport, a company that supplies fuel to civilian airlines and United Nations aircraft.
Both Afghan and Pakistani forces have engaged in clashes at the border in recent weeks, disrupting trade and displacing nearby residents. The United Nations' mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented 56 civilian deaths, including 24 children, caused by Pakistani military operations between February 26 and March 5. Approximately 115,000 individuals were forced to flee their homes due to the conflict.
Tensions escalated between Afghanistan and Pakistan on February 26 when Afghanistan launched an offensive along the border in response to previous Pakistani airstrikes against the TTP. Pakistan retaliated by declaring an "open war" against the Taliban authorities and conducting bombings in Kabul. Subsequent clashes occurred in border regions, including an incident that resulted in the deaths of four family members in Khost province.
The Taliban government reported that four members of the same family, including two children, were killed by Pakistani artillery and mortar fire in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan authorities in Kabul confirmed that seven individuals lost their lives in cross-border clashes between the two sides since Tuesday. Deputy government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat accused Pakistan of intentionally targeting civilian homes and nomads' tents in the conflict.
In conclusion, the ongoing airstrikes and clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan have led to civilian casualties, displacement, and heightened tensions along the border. The situation underscores the challenges of verifying casualty claims and maintaining peace in the region amidst escalating hostilities.