A brief respite from deadly border conflict is over as Pakistan launched airstrikes into Afghanistan’s Paktika province Friday evening, breaking a 48-hour ceasefire. The targeted areas in the Argun and Barmal districts were residential, according to reports confirmed by Taliban officials who stated Pakistan had breached the truce. This development dashes hopes for a peaceful resolution to the escalating violence that has plagued the region for weeks. The initial clashes began after Pakistan’s strikes against the TTP, leading to retaliatory actions and heavy fighting. Underlying the conflict are longstanding issues including border disputes, the Durand Line, and accusations of militant sanctuaries, with both nations trading blame for the volatile situation.
