Afghanistan’s military has upped the ante in its feud with Pakistan, with Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat proclaiming successful airstrikes on high-value targets right in Islamabad and other strategic locations. The Friday morning barrage at approximately 11:00 hit a Faizabad military camp, Naushera army base, Jamrud installations, and Abbottabad sites, delivering what Fitrat called ‘severe damage’ to Pakistan’s defenses.
These aerial reprisals followed Pakistan’s Thursday night incursions into Afghan territories of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Afghan reports paint a picture of civilian casualties from those strikes, prompting this bold countermeasure.
Complementing the air power, border clashes saw Afghan troops dismantle Pakistani positions along the disputed Durand Line. Victory claims include the demolition of two bases and 19 posts, 55 enemy dead, live captures, and hauls of light/heavy weapons, munitions, plus the neutralization of a tank and seizure of a supply vehicle.
Afghan losses stood at eight killed and 11 injured after intense fighting. Adding to grievances, a Pakistani attack on Nangarhar’s refugee camp left 13 wounded, mostly women and kids.
Pakistan, reeling from the claims, activated emergency protocols. Karachi went into lockdown mode with beefed-up patrols at airports, stations, and offices. The Sindh Home Minister vowed ironclad security across the province.
As accusations fly, the specter of full-scale war looms, with both nations digging in and the international community urged to intervene before lines blur further.