A tense but subdued atmosphere persisted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Tuesday, following Pakistan’s execution of intelligence-led anti-terror operations across the border the previous day. This resulted in heightened activity at various points along the volatile frontier.
A council of local leaders and military representatives from both sides convened in the morning to negotiate a ceasefire. Despite this effort, trade between the two nations remained halted at crossings in Kurram, North, and South Waziristan, as traders were hesitant to take risks amid heightened bilateral tensions.
Pakistan’s strikes inside Afghanistan were in response to a terrorist attack in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, on March 16, which claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers, including two officers. The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan was compelled to take decisive action.
The target of the operation, according to the Foreign Office, was terrorists associated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, responsible for numerous attacks in Pakistan, alongside the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), resulting in the deaths of civilians and law enforcement personnel.
Following the early morning strikes on Monday, a significant military buildup was observed in border areas of Afghanistan, notably by Taliban commander Abdul Hameed Khurasani in Paktia province. Forces loyal to another Taliban commander, Qari Himmat, engaged various Pakistani posts with heavy and light weaponry, while skirmishes were reported in South Waziristan.
By Tuesday morning, most border points were quiet, although both sides remained on high alert. Afghan officials urged people to refrain from spreading unofficial statements and videos on social media.
In Kabul, the Taliban government reported that its border forces had targeted Pakistani posts with heavy weapons on Monday but stated that the fighting had ceased by Tuesday. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the calm situation.
A senior police officer in Kurram district reported that Afghan forces had shelled the area, damaging three posts and five civilian houses, and injuring nine individuals. Security forces reinforced their positions amid the calm border situation.
The strained relations between the two neighbors have escalated due to issues with the banned TTP, exacerbated by Pakistan’s decision to deport all illegal Afghan residents. Despite this, authorities in Peshawar announced plans to resume deportations next month after Eid.
An official in K-P stated that the police had been instructed to locate illegal Afghan residents, though details of this phase were not yet disclosed.
