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or the second time in six months, Pakistan and Afghanistan have engaged in an intense military clash. Unlike the periodic clashes across the Durand Line during the last two decades when the U.S. was in Afghanistan, the latest clashes — first in October and now again last week — are significant. Pakistan used air and missile strikes deep inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul and Kandahar, while the Taliban targeted multiple Pakistani military posts across the Durand Line. Military and civilian casualties in these two attacks, last year’s and the ongoing one, have been high. The latest attacks come despite a ceasefire mediated by Turkiye and Qatar following the post-October 2025 clashes.
Following the latest military strikes, Pakistan’s Defence Minister declared that it would be an “open war” against Afghanistan. What has happened between Pakistan and Afghanistan during the last six months? After creating the Taliban in the 1990s and nurturing it ever since, even under intense American pressure until August 2021, why is Pakistan’s Deep State now going after its creation? Why has the Taliban, despite being supported by Pakistan and taking refuge within Pakistan during the U.S.-led war on terrorism, turned against its erstwhile mentor?
