Pakistan Launches Airstrikes deep into Afghanistan, Targeting Border Provinces and Kabul
On March 13, 2026, Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes in the Afghan provinces of Khost and Paktika, extending to areas near the capital, Kabul. The Afghan government, led by the ruling establishment, reported the strikes specifically targeted civilian areas, including a school and a mosque, leading to an undisclosed number of casualties among non-combatants. Islamabad stated these actions
were in response to alleged cross-border attacks by militants it claims are harbored in Afghanistan. Mainstream Western media, including The New Arab, framed these events largely as a border dispute and counter-terrorism operation initiated by Pakistan. The reporting omitted the crucial context of ongoing US-Pakistan military engagements. They portrayed Pakistan's actions as a justified response
to perceived threats, without questioning the legitimacy of unilateral airstrikes into a sovereign nation or the verifiable civilian impact. The Afghan government's assertion of civilian targets was acknowledged but largely de-emphasized in favor of Pakistan’s security narrative. What remains unsaid is the deeper geopolitical maneuverings at play. Just months prior, the United States resumed
significant military assistance to Pakistan, ostensibly for 'counter-terrorism' efforts. This infusion of aid, often in the form of aircraft and intelligence sharing capabilities, allows Pakistan to project force decisively into its neighbor, reminiscent of historical patterns where external support weaponizes regional tensions. Since the 1979 Soviet-Afghan War, Pakistan has received billions in