Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan have boiled over into the most severe clashes since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, triggered by mutual accusations of harboring militants. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan shelters fighters from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP, also called the Pakistani Taliban), who have launched deadly attacks inside Pakistan, including a February 6 suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad that killed 32 people. ISIS-Khorasan Province claimed responsibility, though Pakistan alleged planning occurred in Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban denies any involvement, claiming Pakistani incursions violate their sovereignty.
The escalation began when Pakistan conducted airstrikes on alleged militant camps on February 21, killing civilians according to Afghan and UN sources. Clashes intensified on February 26 when the Taliban launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistani border posts. Pakistan responded with "Operation Ghazab Lil Haq" (Righteous Fury) on February 27, conducting airstrikes on 22 targets in Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, Nangarhar, Paktia, and Paktika provinces. Pakistani officials claimed to have destroyed 73 outposts, captured 18 others, and killed 274 Taliban fighters (a figure that later increased to over 330).
Casualty figures differ sharply and remain unverified. Pakistan reports 12 soldiers killed and 27 wounded, while Afghanistan claims 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 posts captured or destroyed, with 13 Taliban fighters killed and 12 injured. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared an "open war," stating patience had run out. The Taliban expressed openness to talks amid fears of broader regional instability.
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