Afghanistan experienced a series of explosions after reports claim that Pakistani jets had carried out airstrikes targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul. The attacks come due to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The timing of the airstrikes coincided with the first visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India. Pakistan seems concerned as India strengthens its diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.

Local sources reported that the airstrikes near Shahid Abdul Haq Square were aimed at TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, who has led the group since 2018. However, Mehsud later released an audio message claiming he was safe and denying reports of his death, which had been circulated by some Pakistanimedia outlets. Mehsud has been a persistent problem for Pakistan, particularly because he opposed Pakistan’s alliance with the US after the 9/11 attacks and has led several attacks on Pakistani military forces.

The TTP recently carried out a deadly ambush on October 8 near the Afghan border, killing 11 Pakistani soldiers, including two senior officers. In response, Pakistan conducted the airstrikes to target militants across the border. Former US envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, expressed concern over the strikes, calling them a “huge escalation” that increases the risk of conflict. He also urged both Pakistan and the Taliban to negotiate, noting that militants in Afghanistan have been attacking ISIS, while Pakistan has allegedly supported some ISIS operatives.

The strikes occurred just a day after Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned the Afghan Taliban about militants using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan. Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said Pakistan’s patience had run out and emphasised that the country has suffered due to attacks by the TTP. He also highlighted Pakistan’s struggle in dealing with the Taliban despite years of negotiations and expressed that Afghan refugees should return to their homes to help end the cycle of violence.

The timing of the strikes appears to send a message both to the Taliban and India as Muttaqi visits New Delhi for a six-day trip. During his visit, he is meeting India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, marking the highest-level talks between India and Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in August 2021. Pakistan is closely monitoring the visit, as India has been increasing humanitarian and diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan, taking advantage of the worsening Pakistan-Taliban relationship.