Afghanistan Conducts Air Strikes on Pakistani Military Installations Amid Escalating Tensions

The escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan intensified after Afghan authorities announced that their Air Force conducted precise and coordinated air strikes targeting multiple Pakistani military installations in response to alleged cross-border incursions.

The Ministry of Defence stated that the operations were carried out against key facilities, including the Nur Khan Airbase, the headquarters of the military division in Quetta, and the Khwazai Camp in Mohmand Agency within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ministry also claimed that strategic command centres were targeted and that preliminary assessments indicated significant damage to intended objectives.

Afghan authorities said the strikes were a response to recent aerial operations reportedly conducted by Pakistani forces inside Afghan territory, including areas in Kabul and Bagram. They warned that any further breach of Afghan airspace would invite a swift, decisive, and proportionate response , signalling readiness for continued retaliation.

Tensions have further deepened following reports that Islamabad had earlier declared strong political and military opposition to actions attributed to the Taliban administration in Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused militant groups operating near the border of launching attacks inside its territory, while Afghan officials deny harbouring such elements.

The conflict background is rooted in long-standing disputes over border legitimacy and security concerns along the frontier. Cross-border militant activity, particularly involving groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, has fuelled mutual accusations and triggered retaliatory military action.

Pakistan had previously carried out strikes targeting areas in Kandahar, further intensifying hostilities. With both sides engaging in military responses rather than diplomatic engagement, analysts warn that continued escalation could destabilise regional security unless urgent confidence-building measures and dialogue are initiated.