At least three killed in Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan

Kabul and Islamabad continue to experience strained relations, following the most intense clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces in nearly three months. On Monday, Pakistani airstrikes in northeastern Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, sparking fears of renewed tensions between the neighboring countries.

The dispute revolves around militancy in Pakistan, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants who launch cross-border attacks from Afghan soil. The Taliban denies these allegations, arguing that the issue is strictly a matter concerning Pakistan's internal security.

The Pakistani strikes came shortly after a police facility in northwest Pakistan was targeted, resulting in the loss of 16 lives. In Kunar province, Afghanistan, a home was damaged by the airstrike, leading to the death of three family members and the injury of four others, according to a statement released by the Taliban's deputy spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, on social media platform X.

While Pakistan's military has not yet provided a comment on the matter, the drone attack against Pakistani targets in July is not a new occurrence. In fact, Islamabad claimed that their forces intercepted and shot down the drones launched by Afghanistan. The most significant incident occurred in March, when an airstrike conducted by Pakistan resulted in the death of over 400 people in Kabul.

The Taliban claimed this strike targeted a drug rehabilitation center, an assertion Islamabad denied, stating that the primary objective was the destruction of military installations and terrorist support infrastructure.

It is worth noting that Pakistan boasts a formidable air force, with 422 combat aircraft and over 260 helicopters, according to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. On the other hand, Afghanistan lacks fighter jets but is known to possess a minimum of six aircraft, 23 helicopters, and drones that have been employed in battles with Pakistan.