IRIA News

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Pakistani military carried out air raids in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, targeting alleged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts, according to security officials.

Strikes occurred in the Barmal district near Pakistan’s South Waziristan tribal region. This marked the second such operation this year, signaling worsening relations between the two neighbors.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), have not issued statements on the attacks. However, Afghan authorities acknowledged them, with the Taliban-led interim government alleging civilian casualties, claiming 46 people, including women and children, were killed.

“The Pakistani side should understand that such arbitrary measures are not a solution to any problem,” said Enayatullah Khowarazami, Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, on X. He added, “The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered and considers the defense of its territory an inalienable right.”

Cross-border tensions

The air raids come amidst heightened violence along Pakistan’s northwestern borders. Pakistan has accused the Taliban government of harboring TTP militants who allegedly orchestrate attacks on its forces. Last week, TTP fighters claimed responsibility for killing at least 16 Pakistani soldiers in South Waziristan, one of the deadliest attacks in months.

At a United Nations Security Council briefing, Pakistani diplomat Usman Iqbal Jadoon described the TTP as the “largest listed terrorist organization operating in Afghanistan,” with around 6,000 fighters. Islamabad asserts these fighters launch cross-border operations from Afghan territory, a claim the Taliban denies.

While the Taliban insists it does not allow any group to use Afghan soil for attacks against other nations, Pakistan has repeatedly presented evidence to substantiate its claims. Violence has surged, with Pakistan’s Interior Ministry reporting over 1,500 violent incidents in the first 10 months of 2024, resulting in 924 deaths, including 570 law enforcement personnel and 351 civilians.

Most attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) noted 856 attacks in 2024, surpassing the 645 recorded in 2023.

Recent diplomatic engagements

The strikes followed Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, meeting Afghan interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. Discussions included bilateral cooperation and regional stability.

“Met Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Held wide-ranging discussions. Agreed to work together to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote peace and progress in the region,” Sadiq posted on X.

Following the meeting, Muttaqi’s office emphasized talks on enhancing diplomatic, trade, and transit relations. Muttaqi expressed his administration’s desire for positive ties with Islamabad and stressed the need for improved coordination, stating, “To further develop trade and transit ties, both governments must enhance mutual coordination, facilitate travelers’ cross-border movement, and address issues straining relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

Sadiq, appointed as Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghan affairs, led his delegation in meetings with Taliban officials, including Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Haqqani emphasized the urgency of cooperation, stating, “We must expedite our collaborative efforts to safeguard the relationship between our peoples and ensure regional stability and development.”

Despite these talks, Taliban leaders deny allegations that Afghan territory is used for TTP attacks, describing Pakistan’s violence as an “internal problem.” Rising tensions over terrorism-related allegations have impacted Afghan trade and transit activities through Pakistan, crucial for the landlocked nation.

The Taliban, who regained power in 2021, remain unrecognized as Afghanistan’s legitimate rulers. This lack of recognition, coupled with escalating violence and strained Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, complicates efforts to stabilize the region.