In a dangerous escalation, both Afghanistan and Pakistan engaged in rocket, artillery and drone attacks across the border from February 24th to 26th. Both sides accused each other of "unprovoked firing" as the initiating factor for the latest attacks. However, for Pakistan, the TTP safe havens remain a persistent concern and serve as the justification for kinetic strikes against these shelters.

Pakistan launched the attacks against the Afghan Taliban in response to "unprovoked firing" from across the border in various locations along the border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur sectors late Thursday, February 26th. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted airstrikes targeting military installations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. Afghan Chief of Army Staff Fasihuddin Fitrat ordered end to "retaliatory operations against Pakistani military posts".

The recent surge in violence in border regions, particularly in Bajaur, Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, Tirah Valley, Khuzdar, Mastung and Zhob, appears to be the latest trigger for the Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.

Hard data, including cross-border attacks, involvement of nationals, satellite imagery and intelligence, supports Pakistan's claims that TTP, BLA and ISKP have intensified their activities, utilising Afghanistan as their operational and training base.

In contrast, Kabul's strategy seems to be one of denial and allegations. In multiple interviews with local and........

© The Express Tribune