Kabul forces launch retaliatory drone strikes hitting Pakistani territory

Afghan military units recently executed drone strikes against alleged Islamic State Khorasan sites within Pakistani borders. Defense officials claim these targeted locations housed terrorists actively planning sabotage operations against civilians. Security forces struck multiple facilities across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, reportedly including an occupied school building located in the Saran area. Operations resulted in several militant fatalities without harming local residents, according to Kabul representatives who provided details to TOLOnews.

This specific border region has historically functioned as a porous sanctuary for militant groups, severely complicating regional security dynamics and diplomatic relations between the neighboring countries.

Tensions Rise Over Civilian Casualties

Retaliatory actions immediately followed a deadly aerial assault initiated by Islamabad just two days prior. United Nations officials verified reports stating 28 civilians died during Sunday's attack on Afghan soil. Islamabad firmly disputed this international claim, insisting their security forces successfully eliminated 29 militants through coordinated air and ground operations. Meanwhile, Hamdullah Fitrat, acting as spokesperson for Kabul, stated those earlier strikes actually killed 38 innocent civilians and injured over 160 vulnerable individuals. These recurring border clashes threaten to severely damage diplomatic relations between the former allies following their intense border battles earlier this February.

Regional Condemnation Follows Escalation

India swiftly condemned Sunday's aggressive bombings launched by Islamabad. New Delhi firmly labeled the action a clear violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to regional stability. External Affairs Ministry representatives publicly stated this aggressive behavior reflects internal desperation and reckless policy choices designed to distract from domestic failures. Mutual accusations continue to fuel ongoing conflict across the contested border. Islamabad repeatedly accuses Kabul of sheltering anti-state actors who constantly plot cross-border attacks. Conversely, Kabul firmly denies these serious allegations, consistently insisting such militancy remains an internal problem for their neighbors to solve independently without outside interference.