Escalating cross-border military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Recent military strikes have intensified tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both sides reporting civilian casualties and property damage. The Taliban government reported that Pakistani airstrikes hit residential areas in Kabul and Nangarhar, killing six people, including children, and targeted a fuel depot at Kandahar airport. Pakistani security sources stated these strikes were aimed at militant hideouts across Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. In retaliation, the Afghan defense ministry claimed to have conducted drone strikes against a Pakistani military base in Kohat. Since February 26, the UN reports 56 civilian deaths and 115,000 displacements due to the ongoing border conflict. Pakistan reports 12 soldiers killed and 27 wounded, while Taliban authorities claim over 150 Pakistani casualties. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring militants, a charge that Afghan officials deny, despite the collapse of recent Chinese-led mediation efforts.