Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that its air force conducted precision airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) positions inside Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The strikes targeted a joint facility in the Saranan area of Pishin district in Balochistan, as well as locations in the Shah Salim Valley of Chitral and Kambar Khel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Retaliation After Pakistani Cross-Border Strikes
The strategic retaliation follows growing international condemnation of Pakistan's persistent pattern of externalising its internal failures through violent cross-border aggression. The Taliban administration confirmed that the targeted locations were being actively used to coordinate sabotage operations and orchestrate attacks against civilians inside Afghanistan.
Sources revealed that a school in the Saranan area, allegedly used by ISIS members and groups described as "agents of chaos and violence," was among the primary targets. The ongoing aerial operations reportedly neutralised several operatives.
Afghan Defence Ministry Statement
The Afghan Defence Ministry stated, "The air forces of the Afghan Ministry of Defence tonight conducted airstrikes on an ISIS joint centre and elements of evil and corruption in the Saranan area of Pushin district, Balochistan province." The ministry also delivered a stern warning: "We will target every location that poses a threat to our security."
Civilian Casualties from Pakistani Strikes
The decisive military action comes amid a sharp escalation of tensions after recent unprovoked Pakistani cross-border airstrikes along the Afghan frontier resulted in massive civilian casualties. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 others injured in those earlier Pakistani strikes, warning that the final casualty figures could rise.
India Condemns Pakistan's Aggression
The Indian government has taken a stern diplomatic stance against Islamabad's belligerence, strongly condemning the initial Pakistani strikes on Afghan soil. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the attacks as a "blatant act of aggression" that pose a "direct threat" to regional peace and stability.
The MEA issued a firm statement: "India strongly condemns Pakistan's air-strikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in several civilian casualties, including women and children. This blatant act of aggression by Pakistan is an assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability." The MEA added, "It reflects Pakistan's persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its futile attempt to externalise internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders."
Pakistan's Allegations Dismissed
While an increasingly cornered Pakistan has long attempted to shift the blame for its domestic security failures by accusing Afghanistan of harbouring militants, the Taliban administration has completely dismissed the allegations, maintaining that militancy remains Pakistan's internal issue.
