Taliban Strikes ISIS in Pakistan After Cross-Border Attacks

Afghanistan's ruling Taliban carried out airstrikes on Wednesday targeting Islamic State positions inside Pakistan, according to Kabul-based TOLO News. The drone strikes hit Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, focusing on a school in the Saranan area that the Taliban said was used by ISIS and what it called "agents of chaos and violence."

The operation came days after Pakistan launched ground and air operations along the Afghanistan border. Pakistan's security forces said they killed at least 29 militants. The Afghan Taliban said 38 civilians died in those strikes.

Pakistan confirmed the Afghan airstrikes but said its air defense network shot down four rudimentary drones. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the hostile platforms were detected and neutralized with sophisticated countermeasures. The ISPR statement accused the Taliban of misleading the Afghan population under its oppressive rule.

The regional ISIS branch, Islamic State-Khorasan, has claimed responsibility for attacks in Afghanistan in recent years that killed civilians. The Taliban has been fighting the group since taking power in 2021.

Afghanistan's foreign ministry summoned the Pakistani charge d'affaires in Kabul on Monday, issuing a strong protest over what it called a violation of its airspace and bombing of civilian homes in Kunar, Paktia and Paktika provinces. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants who plan attacks inside Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban denies the accusation, calling militancy Pakistan's internal problem.

The escalation adds a new layer of risk for regional stability. Defense analysts said the cross-border strikes could increase tensions between the two neighbors, potentially affecting energy routes and security spending in South Asia. Oil markets and safe-haven assets like gold may see short-term volatility if the situation deteriorates further.

Pakistan's ISPR said the drones were shot down. Afghanistan's foreign ministry said the protest was delivered. No further military action has been reported since Wednesday's strikes.