Original Source
Pakistan-Afghanistan Military Clashes Intensify, Exacerbating Middle East and South Asia Instability
Prolonged Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
While global attention is focused on the US-Israel-Iran war, another conflict has been ongoing near Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan and Afghanistan have been engaged in military clashes since late February 2026, lasting nearly a month. The prolonged fighting between these two nations, spanning both the Middle East and South Asia, is contributing to regional instability, including its impact on the Iranian situation.
Background of Airstrikes and Conflicting Stances
The current military conflict began on February 21, 2026, when the Pakistani military launched airstrikes on Afghan territory near the border. Pakistan stated that these strikes targeted terrorist military camps and hideouts and were in retaliation for terrorist attacks against its own country. In response, Afghanistan strongly condemned the attacks, claiming that civilian homes and religious sites were targeted.
*Source: 東洋経済オンライン (2026-03-20)*
