Pakistan has launched airstrikes targeting suspected Pakistani Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan, reportedly killing several insurgents and dismantling a training facility. The Afghan Defense Ministry condemned the attacks, claiming civilian casualties, amidst ongoing tensions over cross-border militancy. This marks the second such strike this year, following allegations that the Pakistani Taliban utilize Afghan territory to conduct operations against Pakistan.

On Tuesday, Pakistan conducted rare airstrikes against multiple suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban in Afghanistan, which resulted in the dismantling of a training facility and the death of several insurgents, according to four anonymous security officials. These operations occurred in the mountainous Paktika province, which borders Pakistan, although the specifics of the airstrike launch remain unclear. This action marked the second similar attack on Pakistani Taliban locations within the past year, the first having occurred in March amid claims of intelligence-based strikes.

The Afghan Defense Ministry denounced the airstrikes, alleging that they targeted civilians, including women and children, and emphasized that most victims were refugees from the Waziristan region. It described the bombing as a “brutal act against all international principles.” Local residents reported a toll of at least eight fatalities, with potential for the number to increase, and the ministry asserted that unilateral military actions such as these do not resolve underlying issues in the region.

The airstrikes took place shortly after Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, visited Kabul to discuss enhancing trade relations and bilateral ties. During his visit, he met with Afghan officials, including acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Despite frequent accusations from Islamabad that the Pakistani Taliban utilize Afghan territory for assaults on Pakistan, Kabul has consistently denied such claims.

Security expert Syed Muhammad Ali characterized the airstrike as a decisive warning to the Pakistani Taliban, indicating that Pakistan is prepared to employ all necessary means against the insurgent group. The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has been emboldened since the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021, leading to an increase in their attacks on Pakistani military forces since ceasing a ceasefire in November 2022.

The recent airstrikes by Pakistan against the Pakistani Taliban’s hideouts in Afghanistan reflect ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly concerning the security challenges posed by cross-border militant activities. The Pakistani Taliban, which has intensified its operations against Pakistani security forces since the breakdown of peace talks last year, often faces accusations from Islamabad that it operates from Afghan soil. Moreover, the Taliban’s control over Afghanistan since 2021 has reportedly emboldened such insurgent groups, exacerbating regional instability and complicating bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In conclusion, the airstrikes conducted by Pakistan represent a significant military action against the Pakistani Taliban within Afghanistan, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to countering terrorism despite criticisms from Afghanistan’s government. Moreover, they illustrate the complexities of the regional dynamics following the Taliban’s resurgence and indicate the ongoing challenges both nations face in addressing insurgent threats that cross borders. As tensions persist, efforts to foster dialogue and resolve underlying grievances remain crucial for achieving long-lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: apnews.com

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