Airstrikes and gunfire have been continuing along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan for the past four days. The Taliban government claims that they have attacked Pakistan’s highly sensitive Nur Khan Airbase, located in Rawalpindi. A Taliban minister also claimed that their fighters have crossed the Durand Line and entered Pakistani territory. According to the Taliban, attacks have also been carried out on military bases in Quetta and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These actions were in response to Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, Bagram, and other areas. The Pakistani government, meanwhile, claims that more than 400 Afghan fighters have been killed and hundreds injured so far. According to the Taliban, the targets targeted include: War-like situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan: The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan began on February 22nd. Pakistan carried out airstrikes in the border areas of Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Deputy Interior Minister, Talal Chaudhry, claimed that at least 70 fighters were killed in operations against TTP hideouts in border areas. Later, the Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported the number as 80. In response, Afghanistan attacked Pakistan on February 27th. The Afghan Defense Ministry stated that Pakistan would receive a “strong response at the right time.” The ministry described these attacks as a violation of the country’s sovereignty. Pakistan has long pressured the Afghan Taliban government to prevent any terrorist organization from using its territory. Islamabad alleges that the TTP operates from Afghanistan, a charge the Taliban government has consistently denied. Pakistan killed 415 Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. Pakistan has named the offensive against Afghanistan “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq” and carried out attacks in several provinces, including Kabul. “Ghazab Lil Haq” means “standing up for one’s rights.” According to Pakistan’s Information Minister, Atta Ullah Tarar, the Pakistani Air Force has claimed to have targeted Taliban military headquarters in Nangarhar and Kandahar. The Taliban, meanwhile, claims only 8 to 13 fighters were killed and some wounded. They claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several checkpoints, including two military headquarters, were captured. The Taliban have warned of a stronger response if Pakistan launches further attacks. Photos from the aftermath of the attack… Pakistan’s Parliament Passes Resolution of Condemnation The Pakistani Senate passed a resolution condemning Afghanistan. The Foreign Ministry stated that any further provocations would be met with a strong and decisive response. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the army headquarters and reiterated his zero-tolerance policy. Pakistan’s Information Minister called the Afghan Taliban government illegal and alleged that the rights of women and minorities are being violated. Tensions between the two countries have existed before. Afghanistan and Pakistan have a long-standing dispute over the Durand Line. Both countries frequently accuse each other of attacks and harboring terrorists. Tensions have escalated since the Taliban took control of the Afghan government in 2021.
