Pakistan under attack? Afghanistan strikes ISIS hideouts amid rising tensions – How is Russia involved?
The Taliban government said its air force carried out cross-border strikes against alleged ISIS hideouts inside Pakistan.
Pakistan under attack? Afghanistan strikes ISIS hideouts amid rising tensions – How is Russia involved? | Image; AI
Pakistan Under Attack? Afghanistan on Friday claimed that its Air Force carried out air strikes on ISIS hideouts located along the Pakistan border amid the ongoing tensions. The airstrikes have marked a potential escalation between Kabul and Islamabad. The Afghanistan Defence Ministry said that the air strikes targeted 'centres of evil and corruption' in Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
The ministry said that the airstrikes were planned from these locations with the help of unnamed 'malevolent intelligence agencies'
Kabul Frames Strike As Counterterrorism Operation, Not Attack On Pakistan
The statement is crucial as Kabul has carefully termed the operation a counterterrorism strike rather than an attack on Pakistan. The Taliban government gave a clear message that its target was ISIS hideouts that were allegedly operating on Pakistani soil, not Pakistan.
How Is Russia Involved? Did 'Made In Russia' Drones Play A Role?
Speculations over Russian involvement has emerged after Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid visited Moscow. During his visit, he announced a military-technical cooperation agreement with Russia.
He returned to Kabul on May 30 and termed the visit as success, saying that implementation of the agreement would start in the coming months. As per intelligence reports, the Taliban government acquired Russian arms, air defence rockets, deadly drones and other assistance from Russia to improve its military capabilities.
The Taliban defense minister also warned Pakistan, saying Islamabad would soon stop attacking Afghan territory.
It is to be noted that the Taliban defense minister's remark came amid back-to-back attacks by Pakistan inside Afghanistan. However, the Pak government has maintained its stance that attacks target sanctuaries used by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan to plan attacks inside Pakistan.
Kanul Rejected Pak's Accusations
The Taliban government has rubbished accusations made by Pak that it assists and shelters the group, accusing Islamabad of violating Afghan sovereignty.
The agreement between Moscow and Kabul has been described as military-technical cooperation. As per several media reports, it covers weapons maintenance and other security needs.
However, intelligence reports suggest that Russia's military support may have extended beyond maintenance and there is a possibility that it could include drones and air-defence systems.
Kabul Targeted ISIS, Not Pakistan
Afghanistan, rather than terming the operation as a direct retaliation against Pak, Taliban described it as action against Daesh facilities from where attacks on its land were allegedly being planned.
Notably, both the countries are busy in accusing each other of harbouring terrorist groups responsible for cross-border violence.
Russia's Growing Role In Afghanistan
- The recent developments highlight Moscow's growing role with Afghanistan.
- Russia was the first country to officially recognise Taliban government after it returned to power in 2021.
- Since 2021, Moscow and Kabul have strengthened their cooperation in security, counterterrorism and in defence matters.
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