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Pakistan Launches Heavy Airstrikes on Kabul, Taliban Reports Civilian Deaths

Pakistan carried out heavy airstrikes targeting Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and a Taliban military facility in Nangarhar province. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed a drug rehabilitation hospital was hit, resulting in several civilian deaths. The strikes are reported as retaliation for Taliban drone attacks on areas inside Pakistan, which President Asif Ali Zardari condemned as crossing a "red line". Cross-border clashes have intensified recently, with China's attempted mediation being rejected by Pakistan.

Key Points: Pakistan Airstrikes Hit Kabul, Taliban Facility - Tensions Escalate

  • Airstrikes target Kabul & Nangarhar
  • Civilian casualties reported
  • Retaliation for Taliban drone attacks
  • China's mediation rejected
  • Border tensions rapidly deteriorating
2 min read

Pakistan launches fresh heavy airstrikes on Afghanistan's Kabul

Pakistan conducts heavy airstrikes on Kabul and Nangarhar, hitting a hospital and military site. Taliban reports civilian deaths amid border clashes.

"a drug rehabilitation hospital was hit and that several civilians were killed - Zabihullah Mujahid"

Kabul, March 17

Pakistan carried out heavy bombardment targeting Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, with Taliban officials and residents reporting multiple explosions across the city, Khaama Press reported.

As per Khaama Press, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the strikes, stating that a drug rehabilitation hospital was hit and that several civilians were killed.

Videos shared by residents showed large explosions and fires in different parts of Kabul, while witnesses said the intensity of the blasts shook the city.

Citing sources, Khaama Press further reported that Pakistani aircraft bombed a Taliban military facility in the Ghani Khel district of Nangarhar province late Monday evening.

According to Khaama Press, the strikes came after Taliban forces reportedly launched drone attacks targeting areas inside Pakistan, escalating tensions and triggering retaliatory strikes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari condemned what he described as Taliban drone attacks on civilian areas inside Pakistan, saying Afghan Taliban had crossed a "red line", Khaama Press reported.

According to Khaama Press, cross-border clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters have intensified in recent weeks, leading to rising civilian casualties on both sides of the frontier.

Khaama Press also reported that China attempted to mediate between authorities in Islamabad and Kabul, though Pakistan reportedly rejected Beijing's mediation efforts.

According to Khaama Press, the latest bombardment highlights rapidly deteriorating relations between Pakistan and the Taliban administration as both sides continue to trade accusations over security issues.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
The situation on that border has been a tinderbox for decades. While Pakistan has legitimate security concerns, heavy airstrikes on a capital city are a massive escalation. This feels like the 2019 Balakot situation all over again, but with different players. Hope China or someone else can mediate effectively.
P
Priya S
Tragic news. So many lives lost over political games. 😔 The report says Taliban drones hit Pakistan first. It's a vicious cycle of attack and retaliation. When will it end? The common people in both countries just want peace and stability.
V
Vikram M
From an Indian security perspective, this instability right next door is worrying. A destabilized Afghanistan-Pakistan region impacts the whole subcontinent. However, Pakistan's actions here seem disproportionate. Bombing Kabul directly is a serious move.
S
Sarah B
I have to respectfully disagree with some comments here. If the Taliban is launching drone attacks into Pakistani civilian areas, as President Zardari claims, then Pakistan has a right to defend itself. The "red line" comment is significant. The real blame lies with the Taliban regime for harboring militants.
K
Karthik V
China trying to mediate and being rejected by Pakistan is interesting. Shows the complex geopolitics. Pakistan's establishment has always seen Afghanistan as its strategic backyard. This clash with the Taliban, whom they supposedly supported, is a major policy failure. Bhagwan inhe samajh de (God grant them wisdom).

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