Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Tensions Escalate, Airspace Attack Claims Exchanged

International Desk: PNN

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated further after both sides exchanged claims of air and drone attacks.

On Wednesday (July 1), Afghanistan’s Taliban government claimed it conducted airstrikes inside Pakistani territory. Meanwhile, Pakistan said its air defense systems intercepted four “low-grade drones” in Balochistan.

Pakistan’s military stated that Taliban forces attempted to cross the border with drone attacks, which were successfully neutralized. Islamabad warned of strong retaliation if such actions continue.

Afghanistan’s defense ministry, however, claimed it targeted ISIS-linked groups in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Analysts note that the Taliban do not have a fully developed air force and rely mainly on limited drone capabilities.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, relations between the two countries have deteriorated. Cross-border violence has increased, causing hundreds of casualties.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), while Kabul denies the allegation and accuses Pakistan of violating its sovereignty.