Tensions are high between Afghanistan and Pakistan after a series of events that have led to a ceasefire. Afghanistan's Taliban government has accused Pakistan of conducting two drone strikes in Kabul, which occurred the day before a ceasefire was announced. These strikes took place just before the two nations agreed to a truce, which followed days of intense fighting. This conflict resulted in numerous casualties, with dozens killed and hundreds injured.
The ceasefire, which was put into effect on Wednesday, has temporarily halted the most violent clashes between the two countries since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. This was after the Western-backed government collapsed and the U.S. and NATO forces withdrew after 20 years of war.
There has been no immediate response from Islamabad regarding the recent accusations. It's also uncertain how this will impact the ceasefire. However, the United Nations has welcomed the truce and is urging both sides to establish a lasting end to the conflict.
Pakistani officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that Pakistani forces had targeted militant hideouts on Wednesday.
Khalid Zadran, a spokesperson for the Kabul police chief, reported that the strikes hit a civilian house and a market on Wednesday afternoon. He did not provide specific casualty figures, but hospital doctors indicated that five people were killed and many others were injured.
The surgical center run by Emergency, a non-governmental organization, reported that people suffered injuries from shrapnel, blunt force trauma, and burns. Initially, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government's chief spokesperson, stated that the incident was caused by an oil tanker explosion.
Cross-border violence has been escalating since October 10, with both Islamabad and Kabul claiming they were retaliating against armed provocations from the other side.
The ceasefire was announced after appeals from major regional powers. This is because the violence threatened to destabilize a region where groups, including the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, are trying to re-emerge. Fortunately, there were no reports of overnight fighting, but key border crossings remained closed on Thursday.
The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) welcomed the ceasefire and noted that the most significant impact was felt in the south on Wednesday.
UNAMA reported that 37 civilians were killed and 425 were injured in Afghanistan due to cross-border clashes with Pakistan this week. These casualties occurred in several provinces. UNAMA has also documented at least 16 civilian casualties in earlier clashes between the two countries.
UNAMA has called on all parties to end the hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.
Pakistan has not provided figures for civilian casualties on its side of the border. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, a charge the Taliban has rejected. Pakistan has been dealing with an increase in attacks since 2021.
Pakistani officials stated that security forces killed dozens of militants who crossed over from Afghanistan on Thursday. The militants were spotted in the Mohmand district, in the northwest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The two countries share a 2,611-kilometer (1,622-mile) long border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never recognized.
What do you think? Do you believe this ceasefire will hold, or are these tensions likely to escalate again? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
