Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan

Pakistan conducted airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban and an affiliate of the Islamic State group, which Islamabad blames for recent suicide bombings and attacks within its borders. Afghanistan reported dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children, and condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty, summoning Pakistan's ambassador for protest. The Afghan defense ministry vowed an 'appropriate and calculated response.' This escalation follows a period of heightened tensions and failed mediation efforts by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan of failing to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory for attacks, a charge Kabul denies. The deteriorating relationship has also led to the closure of crucial land border crossings.