'America's rented gun...', Pakistani anger over attack on Afghanistan
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated into open conflict recently, with Pakistan launching significant attacks on Afghan territories, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified, transforming sporadic skirmishes along their shared border into warfare. On Friday night, Pakistan conducted overwhelming attacks on Kabul and Kandahar, Afghanistan's capital and southern city, respectively. According to the Afghan Ministry of Defense, these assaults resulted in the deaths of women and children, highlighting the tragic toll of such military operations. Pakistan's government reported that its operations had led to the deaths of 133 Taliban fighters and left more than 200 injured, indicating the severity of the conflict.
In response to these attacks, Afghan forces carried out retaliatory actions in several provinces, including Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan, successfully pushing back the Pakistani troops. The Afghan Taliban reportedly took control of two Pakistani military bases and a total of 19 posts, as they managed to drive Pakistani soldiers from four posts, showcasing a significant shift in the operational dynamics between the two nations.
The conflict is further fueled by statements from Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who declared an open war against the Afghan Taliban, citing a loss of patience within Pakistan regarding the ongoing situation. His comments reflect a growing frustration among some factions in Pakistan, especially directed towards Army Chief Asim Munir, questioning the country's approach during a critical time marked by Ramadan. The escalation of conflict could lead to further regional instability and raises concerns about the humanitarian consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.