15,000 Taliban fighters march to Pakistani border after deadly airstrikes
The tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated dramatically, with reports of around 15,000 Taliban fighters marching toward the Pakistani border, media reports said.
This situation stems from Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province, which targeted alleged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts but resulted in significant civilian casualties.
The airstrikes have provoked a strong backlash from the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which has vowed retaliation and described the attacks as "barbaric" and an act of "clear aggression."
The #Taliban sent hundreds of troops and heavy equipment to the border with Pakistan.
— Smriti Sharma (@SmritiSharma_) December 25, 2024
Last night, Pakistani air force targeted civilian houses in Barmal district of Paktika province, killing and wounding dozens of civilians, including children.#Afghanistan #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/5k0KrIapRa
Pakistan's long-standing strategy of nurturing militant groups, including the Taliban, has backfired, creating a dual challenge:
The Afghan Taliban, now in power in Kabul, is openly hostile to Pakistan.
The TTP, an ally of the Afghan Taliban, has intensified its operations against Islamabad.
Since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, Pakistan has faced a surge in terror attacks, with a 56% increase in fatalities in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the Center for Research and Security Studies.
Over 1,500 people, including 500 security personnel, have been killed in these attacks.
The TTP's emboldened stance mirrors the success of the Afghan Taliban in establishing an Islamic emirate, exacerbating Pakistan's security challenges.
Recent attacks, such as the killing of 16 Pakistani soldiers at a checkpoint in northwest Pakistan, underline the gravity of the threat.
Pakistan’s relationship with the Afghan Taliban has deteriorated due to allegations of cross-border terrorism and the Kabul regime's failure to rein in the TTP.
Islamabad's measures, including trade restrictions, mass expulsions of Afghan migrants, and stricter visa policies, have further strained ties.
The reported mobilization of Taliban fighters from Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat toward the Mir Ali border in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province marks a severe escalation.
It highlights the growing hostility between the two sides, despite their historical ties.
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