In a significant escalation of cross-border tensions, Afghan forces conducted a targeted operation inside Pakistan on Friday, resulting in the deaths of 14 Pakistani soldiers and injuries to 11 others, according to the Afghan Ministry of National Defence. The operation was reported by TOLO News.
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Details of the Retaliatory Attack
The Afghan Ministry confirmed that the strike took place at approximately 5:00 pm local time in the Faizabad area of Islamabad, targeting a major Pakistani military installation. The mission has been officially named “Rad-ul-Zulm” (Retribution for Oppression), framing it as a direct response to prior Pakistani military incursions and airstrikes near the Afghan border.
Military analyst Sadiq Shinwari commented that the operation illustrates Kabul’s capacity to conduct precision strikes within Pakistani territory, signalling that Afghanistan can retaliate against aerial assaults and attacks on its border infrastructure. The Pakistani government has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the Afghan strike.
Escalating Cross-Border Tensions
The attack comes amid a tense period along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, where recent talks aimed at reducing hostilities have faltered. Local officials report that Pakistani forces have continued air and artillery attacks in Afghanistan’s Paktika and Kunar provinces, raising fears of further escalation.
According to Ziaurrahman Spinghar, head of Kunar’s Ministry of Information and Culture, over the past 48 hours, Pakistani forces have launched more than 271 rockets in various districts of Kunar alone, intensifying civilian and military risks.
Casualties and Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Afghan Operation Name | Rad-ul-Zulm |
| Target Location | Faizabad, Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Date & Time | Friday, 5:00 pm (local time) |
| Pakistani Casualties | 14 killed, 11 injured |
| Ongoing Pakistani Actions | Shelling in Paktika and Kunar provinces |
| Rockets Fired (Past 48 hrs) | 271+ in Kunar districts |
| Analyst Commentary | Demonstrates Afghan capability to strike within Pakistan |
Strategic Implications
Security analysts warn that the strike marks a shift in Afghanistan’s defensive posture, demonstrating its ability to project force beyond its borders. The ongoing Pakistani shelling in Kunar and Paktika heightens the risk of civilian casualties and potential humanitarian crises.
Observers emphasise the urgent need for renewed dialogue and ceasefire mechanisms to prevent a full-scale escalation. The incident underscores the fragile nature of Afghanistan–Pakistan relations and highlights the potential for a dangerous cycle of retaliation if diplomatic channels remain stalled.
The international community has yet to comment on the unfolding situation, though regional security experts continue to monitor developments closely.