Pakistan’s military has escalated tensions in South Asia with late-night airstrikes conducted in the vicinity of Kabul, Afghanistan. Army Chief General Asim Munir is reportedly overseeing the operation, which Islamabad claims targeted Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Noor Wali Mehsud, held responsible for a recent fatal attack on Pakistani troops. Countering Islamabad’s claims, the TTP released an audio message purportedly from Mehsud, stating he is alive and well, immediately undermining the credibility of the Pakistani operation and potentially marking it as a major strategic error.
The Afghan Taliban government has issued a strong condemnation of the Pakistani action, labeling it a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and vowing retaliation. They have warned Pakistan of severe consequences for any civilian casualties stemming from the attack. This diplomatic friction occurs while Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is in India, engaging in discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. India has reiterated its commitment to Afghanistan’s stability and sovereignty, announcing the forthcoming reopening of its embassy in Kabul.
Domestically, Pakistan is grappling with internal unrest. The government has imposed internet restrictions across Islamabad and Rawalpindi amidst protests by the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The group attempted to march on the US Embassy in protest of the Gaza situation, leading to violent confrontations with security forces and further complicating the nation’s already precarious stability.