What's happened
Recent days have seen a surge in cross-border violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan accuses Afghan militants of attacks, including a convoy ambush and bombings, while Afghanistan blames Pakistan for strikes inside its territory. The situation remains tense with ongoing military operations and accusations of regional support for insurgents. Today is Sun, 12 Oct 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The recent spike in violence underscores the fragile security situation in the region. Pakistan's military claims to have killed militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban and 'Khwarij' groups, which it alleges are supported by India. Conversely, Afghanistan condemns Pakistani strikes, describing them as 'unprecedented, violent, and heinous,' and warns of consequences if the situation worsens. The pattern suggests a cycle of retaliation, with both sides accusing each other of harboring or supporting insurgents. The involvement of regional powers, especially India and Pakistan, complicates efforts for peace. The escalation risks further destabilizing the border region, potentially drawing in international actors and impacting regional stability. The next steps will likely involve increased military operations and diplomatic pressure, but a resolution remains uncertain without broader regional cooperation.
What the papers say
The articles from AP News and Al Jazeera provide detailed accounts of recent military clashes and accusations. AP News reports on cross-border strikes, militant attacks, and Pakistani military responses, quoting officials and highlighting the ongoing tension. Al Jazeera emphasizes the specific incidents in Kurram and Orakzai districts, noting the casualties and the claims of responsibility by Pakistani Taliban. Both sources depict a cycle of violence driven by militant groups operating across the border, with Pakistan asserting that Afghanistan's territory is being used for attacks, and Afghanistan denying involvement. The contrasting narratives reflect regional mistrust and the complex geopolitics fueling the conflict. The Pakistani government’s repeated accusations of Indian-backed militants and the Taliban’s denials are central themes, illustrating the layered regional rivalries that sustain the violence.
How we got here
The escalation stems from longstanding tensions over militant groups operating across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistan blames Afghanistan for harboring Pakistani Taliban and other militants, while Afghanistan denies this and accuses Pakistan of conducting cross-border strikes. Recent months have seen increased militant activity and military responses from both sides, with Pakistan targeting groups it claims are backed by India and Afghanistan denying involvement in attacks on Pakistani forces.
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More on these topics
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Quetta is the provincial capital and largest city of the Province of Balochistan in Pakistan. It is also the 10th largest city of Pakistan.
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Balochistan is an arid desert and mountainous geographic historical region in South and Western Asia. It comprises the Pakistani province of Balochistan, the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan, and the southern areas of Afghanistan, including Nimr
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Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and businessman who is currently serving as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan, in office since 11 April 2022. He is the current president of the Pakistan Muslim League.
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Orakzai District is a district in Kohat Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. Until 2018, it was an agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas. With the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it became a district. Before to 1973, it was
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.