Afghanistan says it thwarted Pakistan airstrikes on Bagram airbase

"Afghanistan has said it had thwarted Pakistan's attempted airstrikes on Bagram airbase, the former US military base north of Kabul, as cross-border fighting between the two countries stretched into a fourth day. Months of clashes have flared up again since Thursday, when Afghanistan launched attacks along the frontier and Pakistani forces hit back on the border and from the skies."

"The statement said Afghan forces responded with anti-aircraft and missile defence systems and had managed to thwart the attack. Diplomatic efforts have failed to secure a truce, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar among those engaged in efforts to halt the fighting. The conflict has alarmed the international community, particularly as the area is one where other militant groups, including al-Qaida and Islamic State, still have a presence."

"Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that have been carrying out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban government has rejected. Many attacks have been claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has stepped up assaults in Pakistan since 2021, the year the Taliban authorities returned to power in Kabul."

Cross-border fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated into a fourth day of conflict beginning Thursday, with Afghanistan launching attacks along the frontier and Pakistan responding with airstrikes and ground operations. Pakistan declared open war and acknowledged bombing major cities including Kabul and Kandahar. Afghanistan claimed to have successfully defended Bagram airbase against Pakistani military jets using anti-aircraft and missile defense systems. The Taliban government reported 36 civilian deaths from Pakistani fire across multiple provinces. Diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others failed to secure a truce. The conflict has raised international concerns due to the presence of militant groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State in the region. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants conducting attacks in Pakistan, allegations the Taliban government denies.

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