Pakistan Launches Strikes in Afghanistan After Blaming Militants for Deadly Attacks

Pakistan launched airstrikes on militant targets inside Afghanistan this past weekend, escalating tensions along the long and rugged border. The move comes after a series of suicide bombings and violent attacks in Pakistan, including incidents during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

What Happened

According to Pakistan’s Information Ministry, the strikes targeted seven camps and hideoutsbelonging to the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) along the Afghan border. Islamabad claimed that the militants were directed from Afghanistan, acting under instructions from their Afghanistan-based leadership.

ALSO READ: Trump Announces Sending Hospital Ship to Greenland — What We Know

The strikes included areas linked to:

• A mosque bombing in Islamabad

• Violence in northwestern border districts such as Bajaur and Bannu

Pakistan said that a recent suicide attack in these districts involved an explosives-laden vehicle that killed two soldiers and several militants.

Afghanistan’s Response

Afghanistan’s defence ministry condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes as a violation of national sovereignty and international law. A Taliban spokesperson stated that women and children were among the dead and injured, though this could not be independently verified by international media.

The Afghan government promised that an “appropriate and measured response” would be taken at a suitable time.

Why the Border Remains a Hotspot

This is not the first escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The two countries share a 2,600 km (1,600-mile) frontier, which has long been a site for militant movements and clashes. Previous confrontations in October left dozens dead before a fragile ceasefire was agreed upon.

The region has seen:

• Frequent militant activity

• Closure of key border crossings disrupting trade

• Cross-border attacks attributed to various groups

Why Afghanistan Faces Violence Decades Later

Afghanistan has struggled with continuous conflict for over 40 years, due to:

1. Soviet invasion (1979-1989) – which triggered resistance wars and left infrastructure destroyed.

2. Civil war and warlord rule – after the Soviets withdrew, competing factions fought for power.

3. Taliban rise in the 1990s – their strict rule and insurgency strategies caused long-term instability.

4. U.S.-led invasion (2001-2021) – intended to remove al-Qaeda and the Taliban, but conflict continued.

5. ISIS-K and militant factions – these groups exploit weak governance and unmonitored border regions.

6. Economic hardship and poor governance – poverty and limited services make recruitment for militant groups easier.

7. Regional tensions – Afghanistan is a battleground for influence from Pakistan, Iran, and other neighbors.

What This Means

The latest Pakistani strikes reflect:

• Ongoing mistrust between Kabul and Islamabad

• Persistent militant threats in border areas

• The tragic reality that civilians, including women and children, often bear the brunt of conflict

As the situation develops, regional diplomacy and cooperation will be critical to preventing further escalation and civilian casualties.

Takeaway

For decades, Afghanistan has faced a cycle of invasion, civil war, and insurgency. Recent events, including Pakistan’s airstrikes, are part of a long-standing regional struggle with both political and military dimensions. Ordinary people in Afghanistan and along the border continue to experience the consequences of instability and violence.