In brief
Afghan Taliban forces have reportedly launched strikes along the border with Pakistan, injuring several people in Balochistan. In response, Pakistan's military downed four rudimentary drones, warning of further action. The conflict follows Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan earlier this week, which the UN says killed 28 civilians. Both sides blame each other for an ongoing violence cycle that has repeatedly tested a ceasefire agreement.
Afghan Taliban forces have reportedly launched retaliatory strikes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, injuring multiple civilians in Balochistan province. Pakistan’s military confirmed having shot down four simple drones and warned that any further provocation would be met "with a befitting response."
The skirmish comes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Afghanistan earlier this week, a strike that UN officials say left 28 civilians dead. These actions have reignited tensions after a months‑long ceasefire agreement signed in October.
Pakistan officials claim the border attacks by the Taliban were in retaliation for alleged terrorist activity. The Taliban, meanwhile, denounced the Pakistani operation as an "atrocity" and pledged to continue targeting militant hideouts in Afghan provinces.
The latest incident is part of a series of escalations that have repeatedly tested the fragile ceasefire, with both sides exchanging claims of civilian casualties and militant killings.
Source: BBC News. Images © EPA, BBC News, 2024.
