Military actions have escalated in the region as Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported that the fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air were targeted by the Pakistan Air Forces near Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan. In a statement made on X, Mujahid clarified that Kam Air supplies fuel to domestic airlines and conducts refueling operations for United Nations aircraft. The spokesperson has also claimed that Pakistan’s military previously targeted fuel storage belonging to Afghan national trader Haji Khan Zadah.

Shelled Areas and Casualties

Following the airstrike in Kandahar, reports emerged of artillery fire by Pakistan’s military in various regions of Alisher-Terezai district, located in Khost province, close to the Durand Line. The shelling has resulted in the deaths of four family members along with injuries to three others, highlighting the continued violence affecting civilian populations in the vicinity.

Background on Recent Military Exchanges

This incident is part of a series of escalating airstrikes and military confrontations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly along the Durand Line. The frequency of such military actions has risen since February, when air strikes were reported in and around Kabul and other Afghan cities. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly announced an “open war,” indicating a significant shift in military engagement and expressing frustration over the Taliban’s alleged support for global terrorist activities.

Casualties and Retaliatory Actions

On February 26, the Afghan Ministry of National Defence claimed that in retaliatory operations, 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed along the Durand Line. This growing cycle of violence corresponds with ongoing territorial disputes and issues regarding the Taliban’s governance since their return to power in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban to control various armed factions, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has operated within Afghanistan and poses a persistent security threat to Pakistan.

Impact of Armed Groups

The TTP, which has its roots in Pakistan since 2007, maintains ideological, social, and linguistic connections to the Taliban in Afghanistan, leading to complexities in counter-terrorism efforts. In addition to the TTP, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has also been implicated in increased violence, primarily affecting the resource-rich Balochistan province. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, regions that share borders with Afghanistan, have experienced heightened security challenges and attacks in recent years.

International Responses

In response to the recent airstrikes by Pakistan, India condemned the attacks on Afghan territory, particularly in light of civilian casualties such as women and children during the holy month of Ramadan. India underscored its ongoing support for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty amidst the escalating tensions and conflict in the region.

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