Afghanistan launches offensive against Pakistani military positions after recent airstrikes by Islamabad

Mujahid said in a post on X that the offensive was launched “in response to repeated provocations and violations by Pakistani military circles.”

The operations are reported along the Durand Line, the long-disputed frontier dividing the two neighbouring countries.

The recent offensive follows a series of airstrikes carried out by the Pakistan Air Force inside Afghanistan earlier this week, which marked one of Islamabad’s most significant cross-border military operations in years.

On Sunday, Pakistani jets struck multiple locations in Nangarhar Province and Paktika Province, targeting what Pakistan described as camps and hideouts of the Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State – Khorasan Province.

Islamabad said the strikes were intelligence-based and aimed at militants responsible for a surge in suicide bombings and attacks inside Pakistan.

Afghan officials condemned the operation as a breach of sovereignty and international law, reporting that at least 18 civilians, including women and children, were killed when residential structures and a madrassa were struck.

The Pakistani airstrikes have significantly heightened tensions along the Durand Line. Afghan authorities issued formal protests after the strikes, asserting they violated Afghan sovereignty.

In response, Afghan forces — under the Taliban government — declared heavy clashes along multiple sectors of the border and vowed retaliatory action.

There has been no official immediate response from Pakistan to Tuesday’s offensive launched by Kabul.

However, Pakistani officials have previously stated that forces will “respond immediately and effectively” to any Taliban aggression on their side of the border.