TL;DR : On October 9, 2025, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kabul and nearby Afghan areas to target the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), reportedly killing several top commanders. The Taliban condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghan sovereignty. This is the first confirmed Pakistani airstrike on Kabul since the Taliban took power in 2021 and may increase tensions in the region.
What Happened
- Pakistan launched airstrikes on October 9, 2025, targeting TTP hideouts in Kabul and Paktika, reportedly killing up to 46 militants, including senior leaders Noor Wali Mehsud and Qari Saifullah Mehsud (not independently confirmed).
- The airstrikes hit Abdul Haq Square, Taimani district (Kabul), and Paktika province, with multiple explosions heard.
- The operation involved Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, likely JF-17s, using precision munitions based on human and drone intelligence.
- At least 46 civilians, including women and children, were reportedly killed; 20+ injured; Taliban denied major infrastructure damage.
Pakistan’s Position
- Pakistan has not officially commented, but military sources called the strikes "intelligence-based operations" to dismantle TTP leadership using Afghan safe havens.
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned earlier that day:
- Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring 6,000 TTP fighters and warned of further actions despite risks of escalation.
"Enough is enough, terrorism from Afghan soil is intolerable."
Taliban’s Response
- Taliban officials condemned the strikes as aggression and summoned Pakistan’s envoy.
- Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed explosions but said:
- Taliban envoy Muhammad Suhail Shaheen stated no casualties occurred, but civilian deaths were later acknowledged in Afghan media.
- Afghan media claimed Noor Wali Mehsud is alive and released an audio clip denying his death.
"No casualties or major damage has been reported."
Regional Context
- The strikes coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India (Oct 8–14), where he met Indian EAM S. Jaishankar to discuss trade and security.
- Pakistan views India-Afghanistan ties as hostile and accuses India of supporting TTP (no evidence provided).
- Tensions may rise along the Durand Line, where over 400 cross-border incidents occurred in 2025.
Background and Implications
- The TTP has killed over 1,000 Pakistani personnel in 2025 alone, including a deadly ambush days before the airstrikes.
- This marks the first confirmed Pakistani strike in Kabul since the Taliban took over in 2021; previous strikes hit border areas.
- Pakistan’s policy appears to have shifted from diplomacy to direct action after failed efforts to get Kabul to act against the TTP.
- Analysts and the UN warn of a "cycle of escalation" risking wider regional instability, including possible TTP retaliation, more Afghan-Pakistan clashes, and effects on China’s CPEC projects.