Afghan Taliban Launch Strikes Into Pakistan Following Deadly Air Raids
Afghanistan's Taliban government claims retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes that reportedly killed dozens of civilians, escalating cross-border tensions.
- The Afghan Taliban's Defense Ministry announced strikes on 'several points' in Pakistan, claiming they targeted militant hideouts responsible for attacks in Afghanistan.
- This action follows Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province, which reportedly killed 46 civilians, including women and children, according to Afghan authorities and UN reports.
- The Taliban disputes the legitimacy of the Durand Line, a long-disputed border with Pakistan, and referred to the targeted areas as being beyond the 'hypothetical line.'
- Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, while the Afghan Taliban denies allowing cross-border militant activity.
- The cross-border violence has further strained relations between the two nations, with reports of casualties and ongoing exchanges of fire near the border.
Free Press Journal 
Deutsche Welle 
RFE/RL 
CNN 
The Seattle Times 
Associated Press 
Al Jazeera 
South China Morning Post 
