Pakistan Launches Airstrikes in Southern Afghanistan Amid Escalating Tensions

Kathmandu. Pakistan announced on Sunday that it carried out airstrikes on several military structures in southern Afghanistan and areas it described as "terrorist hideouts." Pakistan conducted these operations amidst growing tensions between the two countries.

According to security sources, the Pakistani military targeted and destroyed a technical support and equipment storage site near the residence of Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Taliban administration, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Sources indicated that this site was infrastructure related to military activities.

The Pakistani side claimed that another attack was focused on a tunnel in Kandahar, which Pakistan alleges is used by the Afghan Taliban and militant groups active against Pakistan.

Local residents in Kandahar reported seeing fighter jets flying overhead during the attack and hearing explosions at night. One local stated, "Military aircraft flew over the mountains, then there was an explosion, and fire was seen burning."

Residents also reported hearing sounds of airstrikes in the Spin Boldak area, southeast of Kandahar. Officials also stated that clashes occurred on Saturday night in the eastern border province of Khost.

According to Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the attack caused some damage to a drug rehabilitation center and empty containers in Kandahar. He said, "The sites targeted by Pakistan are far from these two locations."

Previously, Pakistan claimed to have foiled an attempted drone attack allegedly launched from Afghanistan. The attack was reportedly halted on Friday night. According to officials, attempts were made to target at least three locations, including the Pakistani military headquarters in Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad.

The office of Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari warned of a strong response, accusing the Afghan Taliban of having "crossed the red line" by targeting civilians.

Pakistan initiated military action against Afghanistan last month, targeting Islamist extremist groups following attacks in Pakistan. However, the Taliban government denies that any terrorist activities are being conducted from Afghan soil or that it is involved. Pakistan claims its actions do not target civilians.

Border areas have seen frequent clashes in recent weeks. This has disrupted trade and forced nearby residents to leave their homes.

According to data released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at least 75 civilians have been killed and 193 injured in clashes since February 26.