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Hibatullah Akhundzada

Hibatullah Akhundzada

Supreme Leader of the Taliban government in Afghanistan

Appears in 1 story

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Pakistan and Afghanistan locked in escalating cross-border military cycle

Force in Play

Participating in China-mediated talks amid de-escalation

Pakistan and Afghanistan are locked in their most intense military confrontation since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, with escalating cross-border strikes claiming hundreds of lives. On March 17, 2026, a Pakistani airstrike devastated a 2,000-bed hospital in Kabul, killing approximately 400 people and injuring nearly 250 others according to Afghan officials, marking the deadliest single incident. Pakistan denied responsibility. The conflict stems from Pakistan's demands that the Taliban crack down on Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants sheltering on Afghan soil. A five-day Eid al-Fitr ceasefire mediated by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar held from March 19-24, 2026, preventing immediate resumption of hostilities.

Updated Apr 2