Pakistan Airstrikes Target Afghan Hideouts, Jeopardizing Doha Peace Talks

Pakistan conducted a new series of airstrikes inside Afghanistan. The strikes targeted terrorist hideouts in border regions. This escalation threatens upcoming peace talks scheduled for Doha, Qatar. It also puts a fragile, recently extended ceasefire under severe strain.

The military action follows a deadly terrorist attack on a Pakistani military fort. The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Details of the Pakistan Airstrikes and Preceding Attack

Pakistani jets struck targets in Afghanistan’s Angoor Adda region. They also hit hideouts in Urgun and Barmal districts. According to security sources, these were precision strikes against the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group.

The strikes reportedly killed dozens of militant fighters. This information was reported by Dawn, citing security sources. The action was a direct response to the earlier assault on Khaddi Fort in Mir Ali.

Pakistani security forces successfully foiled that terrorist attack. They eliminated all four assailants without suffering any casualties. There was no immediate official statement from Pakistan’s military.

Ceasefire Hangs in the Balance Amid Planned Diplomacy

The fresh violence casts a dark shadow over diplomatic efforts. Representatives from Pakistan and Afghanistan were expected to meet in Doha. The Qatari government was set to mediate these crucial talks.

Just hours before the airstrikes, both nations had mutually extended a 48-hour ceasefire. A security source confirmed the extension was intended to last through the Doha discussions. The initial truce had been in effect since Wednesday.

However, the latest exchanges jeopardize this fragile peace process. Reports suggest a high-level Taliban delegation was prepared to travel. It was expected to include Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub Mujahid.

The recent Pakistan airstrikes on Afghan hideouts represent a significant escalation, demonstrating that military action continues to overshadow fragile diplomatic channels. The path to peace remains deeply uncertain.

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What triggered the latest Pakistani airstrikes?

The airstrikes were a direct response to a gun-and-bomb attack on a Pakistani military installation. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a TTP faction, claimed responsibility for that assault.

Has the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan ended?

Officially, the ceasefire had been extended to cover the planned Doha talks. However, the new airstrikes have severely undermined this truce, casting doubt on its actual status.

What is the status of the planned peace talks in Doha?

The talks were expected to begin with Qatari mediation. The Pakistani National Security Adviser was likely to attend, but the new violence has put these discussions in jeopardy.

Which areas in Afghanistan were targeted by the strikes?

Pakistani jets targeted the Angoor Adda region. They also struck hideouts in the Urgun and Barmal districts of Paktika province.

Why is there heightened tension beyond the airstrikes?

Tensions are also high due to an incident where Afghan soldiers were seen desecrating the bodies of Pakistani security personnel. Pakistan has condemned this act in the strongest terms.