What's happened
After days of border clashes, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire in Doha, but recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghan territory have broken the truce. The violence, linked to militant groups and regional tensions, has resulted in civilian casualties and heightened fears of renewed conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The recent escalation reveals deep-rooted regional tensions and the fragility of the ceasefire. Pakistan's accusations that Afghanistan shelters militant groups, including the TTP, are central to the conflict. The Afghan Taliban's cautious response, emphasizing restraint, indicates a desire to avoid full-scale war but also highlights the ongoing threat of violence. The timing, shortly after Taliban officials' visit to India, suggests regional power plays and diplomatic signaling. The potential for further clashes remains high, as both sides accuse each other of violations and continue to prioritize military readiness. The international community's role in mediating peace and addressing militant sanctuaries will be crucial in preventing a broader conflict. The situation underscores the volatility of the Afghan-Pak border and the broader regional instability, with civilian casualties and diplomatic tensions likely to persist.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the border clashes resulted in dozens of deaths, with both sides accusing each other of violations. South China Morning Post details Pakistan's airstrikes targeting militant groups linked to the Pakistani Taliban, and the Afghan Taliban's cautious stance to maintain dignity during negotiations. The New Arab emphasizes the diplomatic efforts in Qatar and the recent breakdown of the ceasefire, highlighting the ongoing security concerns and accusations of sheltering militants. The contrasting perspectives underscore the complexity of the conflict, with Pakistan emphasizing security threats and Afghanistan calling for restraint, reflecting broader regional power struggles and the challenge of achieving lasting peace.
How we got here
Border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified after Islamabad demanded Kabul control militants operating from Afghan territory. The conflict escalated with ground fighting and airstrikes, driven by accusations of sheltering militant groups like the Pakistani Taliban and TTP. The recent violence follows a visit by Taliban officials to India and a deadly attack in North Waziristan, prompting Pakistan's military response and diplomatic negotiations in Qatar.
Go deeper
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The Taliban or Taleban, who refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, are a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war within that country.
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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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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan, located in the eastern section of the country. It is also a municipality, forming part of the greater Kabul Province, and divided into 22 districts.