Description: More than 85 people were injured while 7 people were killed as the Pakistani military launched strikes against alleged TTP terrorists in Afghanistan’s Kunar province. Asadabad, the capital of Kunar province was targeted where according to Pakistani officials, several groups of TTP terrorists were residing. Pakistan has denounced Afghanistan’s claims that a university and other civilian buildings were targeted and stated that their attacks were based on accurate intelligence. Pakistan also claimed that it was responding to recent attacks on its military personnel in several cross – border regions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were reportedly three civilians were injured by gunfire.
Impact: The expected escalation of armed confrontation between the two countries diminishes China’s diplomatic push, severely compromises the ceasefire and positions the conflict to likely become a protracted open war with sporadic cross – border confrontations. All inter – governmental ties have been cut off between the two neighboring countries while cross – border crossings remained close for trade. Separatist and terrorist groups operating across the Durand line are consistently threatening the numerous ceasefires imposed since the start of the armed confrontation in Oct last year. China would likely attempt to renew the diplomatic process, while escalation of armed confrontations and military operations are expected to continue.