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Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province have reignited border tensions, killing civilians despite a ceasefire. The Taliban vows retaliation, as old hostilities and mutual accusations threaten to push the region toward another humanitarian crisis.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Tensions Rise Again Amid Ceasefire Violation
New Delhi: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated once again. Recently, Pakistan carried out an airstrike in Afghanistan's Paktika province, reportedly killing several civilians. This attack occurred after the two countries had agreed to extend the ceasefire along the border for 48 hours.
The Pakistani army bombed the Arjun and Barmal districts of Paktika, located near the Durand Line. These areas are entirely residential and populated by civilians.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan called the attack a violation of the ceasefire and stated that Kabul would not stand idly by if such actions continued. A senior Taliban official warned that Afghanistan would respond to Pakistan's actions.
This statement came after the two countries recently agreed on a temporary ceasefire, which was to be implemented during ongoing talks in Doha.
Earlier this week, Pakistan also carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, targeting the city of Spin Boldak. Pakistan claims that the attack targeted a Taliban brigade and killed dozens of fighters. However, the death toll has not been officially confirmed.
Fighting erupts again along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border
The Afghan Defense Ministry stated that these attacks were carried out in areas inhabited by civilians, causing fear and anger among the public.
The latest violence began on the night of October 11 when Afghan troops attacked several Pakistani military posts. This sparked retaliatory fire. Afghan officials claim to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, while Pakistan claims to have killed 23 soldiers and over 200 Taliban fighters in retaliatory fire.
Pakistan has long alleged that Afghan soil is being used by Pakistani Taliban (TTP) terrorists to carry out deadly attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban government, however, denies these allegations and maintains that it does not allow its territory to be used against any other country.
The ongoing border conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only damaging relations between the two countries but also endangering the lives of thousands of civilians.
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If a concrete solution is not found soon, the region could be heading towards another serious humanitarian crisis. If you would like, I can also prepare a news video script or infographic on this topic.
