Sourced fact
The News
Pakistan launched airstrikes on the Afghan provinces of Helmand and Kandahar on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of nine civilians and fourteen militants, according to officials from both countries. Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Afghan government, stated that the strikes targeted three civilian homes in Helmand and Kandahar, leading to nine fatalities and eleven injuries, describing it as a "hostile act and a crime that violates accepted global principles." In contrast, Pakistan's Ministry of Information announced that the strikes targeted militant hideouts, killing twenty-two militants and destroying weapons and ammunition. The ministry emphasized that the strikes were meticulously planned and executed with care to minimize collateral damage.
These airstrikes come in the context of ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover of power in Afghanistan in 2021. In April this year, the two countries held peace talks to bolster a ceasefire agreement reached in March, but sporadic skirmishes have continued, leading to Pakistan closing its border crossings with Afghanistan. Afghanistan relies heavily on external humanitarian and food aid, making the closure of border crossings have a significant impact on the humanitarian situation.
Pakistan considers the threat it faces to originate from Afghanistan, where it claims the Afghan government harbors militants who launch attacks on Pakistani soil. Meanwhile, Afghanistan denies these allegations. The United Nations reported last week that over 1,100 civilians have been killed or injured due to cross-border conflict this year. However, Pakistan maintains that it does not target civilians in its military operations.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have persisted since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021. Tensions frequently escalate due to Pakistan's accusations that the Afghan government supports militant groups launching cross-border attacks. In April this year, the two countries held peace talks to reinforce a ceasefire agreement reached in March, but sporadic clashes have continued. Pakistan has closed its borders with Afghanistan since last year's conflict escalation, exacerbating the suffering of Afghanistan, which relies heavily on external humanitarian and food aid.
