Pakistan launches deadly strikes in Afghanistan
Pakistan launched extensive overnight air strikes targeting militants in Afghanistan, triggering strong condemnation as the Afghan government reported dozens killed, including children. Islamabad stated the attacks were in response to recent suicide bombings.
Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktika provinces on March 18, 2024, targeting suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts. These strikes were in retaliation for a suicide bombing on a Pakistani military post in North Waziristan on March 16, 2024, that killed several Pakistani soldiers. The Afghan government reported eight civilian deaths, including five women and three children, while local sources cited eight total fatalities, some linked to a TTP commander's family. Pakistan described the strikes as retaliatory against TTP attacks, signaling impatience with the Afghan Taliban's failure to curb militants based in Afghanistan.
Pakistan's official response emphasized strong countermeasures against cross-border terrorism, with President Asif Ali Zardari stating Pakistan would respond "regardless of their identity or country of origin." The military pursued a multi-pronged strategy, including airstrikes, diplomatic accusations of Taliban support for TTP, and repatriation of Afghan refugees. These March 2024 strikes marked Pakistan's second major operation in Afghanistan since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, following similar actions in April 2022.
The incident escalated tensions significantly, with the Afghan Taliban firing on Pakistani border positions and promising retaliation. The Afghan government strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of sovereignty and demanding an immediate halt to such actions. This led to ongoing clashes between the two countries throughout 2024, with border skirmishes and diplomatic tensions continuing.
A later round of Pakistani airstrikes occurred on December 24-25, 2024, in Paktika's Barmal district, reportedly killing 46-70 people including dozens of women and children. These were in response to a TTP attack on December 21 that killed 16 Pakistani soldiers. The Taliban labeled victims as refugees, and UNAMA confirmed civilian casualties. Pakistan has not officially commented on civilian deaths but praised security operations. As of early 2026, Pakistan's defense minister continues warning of further strikes if militants are not curbed, maintaining pressure on the Afghan Taliban government.
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