The Afghan Taliban defense ministry confirmed airstrikes targeting militant hideouts in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces on Thursday night. This operation represents Kabul's first major offensive action in months and signals a sharp deterioration in relations between the neighboring nations.
Ministry officials stated the targeted bases served as staging grounds for attacks against Afghanistan, allegedly coordinated with hostile intelligence circles. While specific casualty figures remain unconfirmed, preliminary reports indicate key pre-designated targets were successfully hit. The Taliban warned it will utilize all available capabilities to neutralize security threats at their source.
Military analysts note Afghanistan possesses no fighter jets but maintains a fleet of aircraft, helicopters, and drones capable of such operations. Pakistan’s military and information ministries have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the strikes.
This development follows Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory last week that killed at least 13 people, including 11 children. Islamabad described those attacks as calibrated strikes against militants, while Kabul condemned them as violations of sovereignty. Despite mediation efforts by China, hundreds have died in cross-border violence this year as diplomatic channels remain stalled.