The Pakistan–Taliban Conflict: Roots and Consequences

The ongoing clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, in terms of both intensity and scope, represent the most significant confrontation between the Taliban government and Pakistan to date. In terms of intensity, Pakistan has conducted what it describes as a “hybrid operation” against the group known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), consisting of a wide range of aerial and ground attacks extending into Afghan territory. It has been claimed that in a Pakistani airstrike on Kabul, Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of the TTP, and several others were killed. In response, the Afghan Taliban have carried out extensive operations against Pakistani border outposts in at least seven provinces bordering Pakistan. Although the reported number of casualties varies, it is certain that dozens of people on both sides have been killed in these clashes.