Afghanistan says it thwarted a Pakistani airstrike attempt on Bagram Air Base
KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan announced on Sunday that it successfully foiled attempted airstrikes on Bagram Air Base, the former U.S. military base located north of Kabul. The thwarted attacks came amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan that has now entered its fourth day.
The escalating conflict between the two neighboring countries has raised concerns within the international community, especially given the presence of various militant groups in the region, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering militant groups that carry out attacks against Pakistan, as well as of forming alliances with Pakistan’s rival, India. Previous border clashes in October resulted in numerous casualties until a ceasefire brokered by Qatar brought temporary relief. However, subsequent peace talks in Turkey failed to yield a lasting resolution, leading to sporadic skirmishes between the two sides.
According to a statement from the police headquarters in Parwan province, several Pakistani military jets attempted to bombard Bagram Air Base early Sunday morning. Afghan forces swiftly responded with anti-aircraft and missile defense systems, successfully preventing the attack.
No immediate response to the incident was provided by Pakistani authorities.
Bagram Air Base, once the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan, fell into Taliban control following the chaotic withdrawal of American forces in 2021. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed interest in reestablishing a U.S. presence at the base.
The current hostilities began after Afghanistan launched a retaliatory cross-border attack last Thursday in response to Pakistani airstrikes. The Pakistani government claimed their airstrikes targeted the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, while Afghanistan alleged civilian casualties.
The ongoing conflict has seen both sides claiming significant casualties, with each side reporting conflicting figures of enemy losses.
Afghan officials have reported continued fighting in the border regions, with anti-aircraft missiles being deployed to fend off Pakistani incursions. Pakistani drone attacks have allegedly resulted in civilian casualties in Afghan provinces.
The situation remains fluid as both countries remain engaged in active conflict along their shared border.
This article includes reporting by Becatoros from Athens, Greece.
