Pakistan says retaliatory airstrikes in Afghanistan killed 25 militants
Pakistan has said it carried out airstrikes and ground operations in eastern Afghanistan, killing 25 militants, in response to recent deadly attacks, including the killing of paramilitary troops in Ka
Pakistan has said it carried out airstrikes and ground operations in eastern Afghanistan, killing 25 militants, in response to recent deadly attacks,
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
Pakistan’s cross-border military action underscores the escalating risk of regional spillover violence as militant groups exploit porous borders. The strikes reflect Islamabad’s growing willingness to bypass diplomatic caution in favor of direct strikes, signaling a potential shift in its counterterrorism posture amid domestic pressure to curb attacks blamed on Afghan soil.
Background Context
The region has long been a haven for militant factions, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in Pakistan. Afghanistan’s Taliban government, while denying harboring militants, has struggled to exert control over eastern provinces where insurgent groups operate with relative impunity due to weak governance and cross-border tribal ties.
What Happens Next
Islamabad’s retaliation risks provoking retaliatory strikes or deeper Taliban defensive measures, potentially destabilizing a fragile status quo. The move may also strain Pakistan’s already tenuous relations with Kabul, complicating future counterterrorism cooperation despite shared interests in suppressing the TTP.
Bigger Picture
The strikes highlight the broader erosion of stability in South Asia, where militant sanctuaries thrive amid weak state control and shifting geopolitical alliances. As Pakistan asserts its right to self-defense, the episode could embolden other nations to adopt similar measures, further complicating efforts to curb transnational terrorism through regional diplomacy.
