Pakistan conducted precision aerial strikes on Afghan border areas on Friday, targeting the Gul Bahadur Group, a Taliban-affiliated faction reportedly given safe haven in Afghanistan. The strikes came immediately after a two-day ceasefire ended, marking a sharp escalation in cross-border tensions.
According to Pakistani security officials, the operation aimed to neutralize militants responsible for previous attacks, including a suicide bombing in North Waziristan that killed seven Pakistani paramilitary troops. Taliban officials confirmed the strikes, warning that Afghanistan would retaliate if further attacks occur.
Civilian Casualties Reported
The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 10 civilians, including two children, and left 12 others wounded. Among the casualties were eight cricket players participating in a local tournament, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
Residents in frontier towns such as Spin Boldak described scenes of resumed normalcy, though many remain fearful of renewed fighting. “People have mixed feelings,” said local resident Nematullah, 42. “They fear the fighting will resume, but still go about their daily lives.”
Breaking the Truce
The recent ceasefire, which lasted 48 hours, had followed nearly a week of violent clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing dozens of troops and civilians on both sides. Pakistani officials have accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, particularly Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claims Kabul denies.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif condemned Kabul, stating that the Afghan government was acting as a “proxy of India” and plotting against Pakistan. “Wherever the source of terrorism is, it will have to pay a heavy price,” Asif said.
Meanwhile, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized that Afghan forces had been ordered not to engage unless provoked, urging troops to defend the country only if attacked.
Humanitarian Toll and International Response
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported 37 fatalities and 425 injuries on the Afghan side. The mission urged both countries to bring hostilities to a lasting end.
While some civilians expressed resilience, others remain wary. Nani, a local resident, said, “I’m not afraid, but some families are sending their children elsewhere because the situation isn’t safe.”
Context of Escalation
The border clashes follow explosions in Kabul earlier this week, coinciding with the Taliban foreign minister’s visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival. The Taliban had launched an offensive along the southern border, prompting Pakistan’s military response.
As tensions remain high, both sides face pressure from the international community to halt violence and ensure civilian protection. Pakistan continues to demand concrete action against militants operating from Afghan soil, while Afghanistan maintains a defensive stance.