Afghanistan and Pakistan Engage in Open War Over Militants

Afghanistan and Pakistan have been engaged in an open war since late February, marked by direct military clashes and the use of proxy armed groups. The conflict centers on accusations from Pakistan that the Taliban provide a permissive environment for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan to launch attacks against Pakistani security forces.

Recent fighting on Saturday in Paktia Province saw the Military of Pakistan claim to have destroyed an Afghan military camp, while the Taliban claimed to have killed 13 Pakistani soldiers. In response to the ongoing instability, Pakistan has reportedly met with anti-Taliban armed opposition groups to offer support.

Diplomatic efforts to end the violence have stalled despite mediation attempts by China, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. China hosted unsuccessful peace talks in April, and Russia hosted a failed security meeting in Moscow on October 5. The conflict has resulted in at least 1,100 Afghan civilian casualties and more than 730 civilian deaths from militant attacks within Pakistan this year.