RASC News Agency: Pakistan’s President has warned that the Taliban have “crossed a red line” by carrying out drone attacks on civilian areas inside Pakistan. Hours after this warning, reports emerged that Pakistani forces targeted drone facilities in Afghanistan.
According to Associated Press, Asif Ali Zardari stated on Saturday that Taliban drone strikes have dangerously intensified tensions between the two countries. Recent cross-border clashes have become among the fiercest military confrontations in South Asia in recent weeks, despite mediation efforts from China and Turkey.
Pakistani officials reported that drones launched from Afghanistan on Friday were intercepted, but debris caused injuries to two children in Quetta and two others elsewhere in Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force reportedly struck a military facility in Kandahar Province, which Islamabad claims was used to launch drones into Pakistan.
The Taliban assert that Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and eastern Afghanistan killed at least six civilians and wounded 15.
Taliban also claimed Afghanistan’s air forces retaliated by targeting military sites near Islamabad and northwestern Pakistan.
Pakistan denied these claims, stating its operations are solely aimed at Pakistani Taliban and affiliated networks.
The Pakistani government has referred to the ongoing clashes as an “open war,” heightening international concern over regional instability, especially amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Zabiullah Mujahid stated that Pakistani aircraft targeted fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar airport, facilities used for civilian and United Nations missions.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of allowing Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and other Pakistani militant groups to operate from Afghanistan’s soil. Taliban leaders reject these claims, stating they will not allow Afghanistan to be used against other countries.
Simultaneously, a roadside bomb in Lakki Marwat targeting a police convoy killed seven officers, further escalating tensions.
Wang Yi has urged peaceful resolution, warning that the use of force will only worsen tensions and threaten regional stability.
Wang Yi has been acting as a special envoy between Islamabad and the Taliban to encourage de-escalation and a ceasefire.
Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that Afghanistan seeks regional peace and sees dialogue as the only solution to the crisis.
Previous ceasefires mediated by Qatar in October temporarily reduced tensions, but subsequent talks in Turkey failed to produce a lasting agreement.
