Clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified over the weekend as both sides exchanged cross-border attacks, raising fears of a broader conflict between the neighboring countries. Pakistani officials said their forces conducted strikes on militant hideouts and military facilities in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province after drones launched from Afghan territory attempted to target civilian areas and military installations in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military said several drones were intercepted before reaching their targets, but falling debris injured civilians in cities including Quetta and Rawalpindi. Authorities accused Afghan-based militants of using drone technology to target Pakistani territory, warning that such attacks against civilians would not be tolerated.
In response, Pakistani forces launched air and artillery strikes against what officials described as infrastructure used by militants linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad says the group has been operating from sanctuaries across the Afghan border and carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.
The Taliban-led government in Kabul has condemned the strikes, accusing Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and causing civilian casualties. Afghan officials claim Pakistani attacks hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure, though Pakistan denies targeting non-combatants.
The latest escalation follows weeks of rising tensions since Pakistan launched operations in late February against militant groups it says are sheltering on Afghan soil. Analysts warn that continued cross-border attacks could further destabilize the region, already under strain from multiple security crises.
Diplomatic efforts by regional actors, including China and Qatar, have so far failed to halt the violence, leaving the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border highly volatile.