The Afghan Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires on Wednesday to lodge a formal protest against alleged airstrikes conducted by Pakistan within Afghan territory. The airstrikes reportedly targeted TTP hideouts in Paktika province.
While Pakistan has not officially confirmed the airstrikes, reports suggest they were carried out in response to a recent increase in TTP attacks in Pakistan, including a deadly attack in South Waziristan that killed 16 soldiers.
This incident comes as Pakistan’s special envoy, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, was in Kabul to engage with Taliban officials and explore a political solution to the growing security challenges. Despite the reported airstrikes, Sadiq proceeded with his scheduled meetings, including a meeting with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Maulwi Abdul Kabir.
The News reported that security sources have confirmed that Pakistan has launched precision airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. These strikes have resulted in the elimination of over 71 Khawarij militants, including several key commanders.
Four of their most critical hideouts were obliterated, including a suicide vest manufacturing facility and their Umar Media Cell.
“This is not the first time Pakistan has been forced to act decisively across the border,” a senior security official stated. “Previously, Pakistan targeted terrorist networks in Afghanistan through drone strikes, inflicting heavy losses on them. At that time, the Afghan Taliban had assured us that no further attacks on Pakistan would originate from Afghan soil. Unfortunately, their promises remain unfulfilled; they are known to break agreements, including the Doha Accord.”
The official further stressed, “If the Afghan Taliban want to maintain constructive relations with Pakistan and China, they must act against these terrorists and uphold their commitments. Pakistan will continue targeting Khawarij sanctuaries until this menace is eradicated.”
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding the TTP and the challenges of maintaining stable relations amid security concerns.
Source: Express Tribune, The News, December 26, 2024