Pakistan’s Shocking Admission: US Drones Launch Afghan Strikes from Its Soil
In a bombshell revelation, a senior Pakistani official confirmed that recent airstrikes in Afghanistan were conducted by US drones operating from Pakistani bases. The admission exposes Islamabad’s precarious balancing act between Washington and the Taliban-led Afghan government, with officials citing an undisclosed agreement that prevents Pakistan from stopping the operations.
Key Details of the Covert Drone Deal
A high-ranking Pakistani security official, speaking anonymously, revealed:
– US drones targeting Afghanistan are launched from Pakistani airbases.
– Pakistan claims it is bound by a secret pact with the US (“We can’t break the deal”).
– The Taliban accuses Pakistan of enabling foreign aggression, threatening “serious consequences.”
US-Pakistan Relations: A History of Secret Cooperation
Despite public denials, Pakistan has long allowed limited US counterterrorism operations, particularly near the Afghan border. This admission, however, marks the first explicit acknowledgment of active drone involvement post-2021 Taliban takeover. Experts speculate the deal includes:
– Military or economic aid in exchange for base access.
– Intelligence-sharing agreements.
– US support for Pakistan’s financial stability.
Taliban’s Fury and Regional Fallout
The Afghan Taliban—already distrustful of Pakistan—has condemned the strikes as a sovereignty violation. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid warned of retaliation, escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Pakistani opposition leaders demand transparency, with Senator Sherry Rehman stating, “The public has a right to know if our soil is being used for foreign attacks.”
US Silence and Global Implications
The White House has neither confirmed nor denied Pakistan’s claims, emphasizing “over-the-horizon” counterterrorism efforts. However, the use of Pakistani bases suggests deeper US involvement than publicly admitted. Analysts warn:
– Drone strikes could embolden anti-Pakistan militants.
– Islamabad risks alienating both Kabul and Washington.
– The region faces renewed instability as covert wars persist.
What Comes Next?
With the Taliban threatening retaliation and Pakistan caught in geopolitical crossfire, the covert drone program could:
1. Strain Pakistan-Afghanistan relations further.
2. Trigger domestic backlash in Pakistan over sovereignty concerns.
3. Force the US to clarify its post-2021 Afghanistan strategy.
As alliances shift and covert deals unravel, one question remains: Will Pakistan’s balancing act survive the escalating crisis?
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