Escalating Tensions in Middle East and South Asia

Israeli air strikes killed at least 10 people in eastern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire, according to Lebanese officials. The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah sites in the Bekaa Valley, where the group has a strong presence. Hezbollah confirmed that at least eight of its members were killed, including a senior field commander. The strikes were among the deadliest in Lebanon since the ceasefire ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024. Lebanon's government condemned Israel's actions as a violation of the ceasefire and urged the international community to pressure Israel to stop its attacks. The situation is tense, with concerns that Iran might force Hezbollah to join its response if Israel becomes involved in a conflict with Iran.

Pakistan launched multiple air strikes on Afghanistan, targeting alleged militant camps and hideouts near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The Taliban reported dozens killed and wounded, including women and children, while Pakistan claimed the strikes were a response to recent suicide bombings in Pakistan. Afghanistan condemned the attacks, saying they targeted civilian homes and a religious school. The strikes come after a fragile ceasefire was agreed upon in October following deadly cross-border clashes.

Pakistan launched airstrikes against militant camps in Afghanistan, targeting the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State affiliates, in response to recent deadly attacks on its soil. Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense condemned the strikes as a 'blatant violation' of its sovereignty, reporting civilian casualties, including women and children. The airstrikes test the uneasy peace between the neighbors, which have a history of clashes along their disputed border.

Pakistan launched multiple air strikes targeting militant hideouts in eastern Afghanistan, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children. Afghanistan's defence ministry reported that the strikes hit a madrasa and homes in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Pakistan claimed it targeted terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State (IS) group's regional affiliate. The incident escalated tensions between the two countries, with Afghanistan vowing to deliver an 'appropriate and calculated response'. The strikes were the most extensive since border clashes in October killed over 70 people on both sides. Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harbouring militants, while Afghanistan denied the allegations. The deteriorating relationship has affected people in both countries, with the land border largely shut for months.

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 12 people in Lebanon, including a senior Hezbollah official, Hussein Yaghi. The strikes targeted Hezbollah command centers and weapon depots in the Bekaa Valley and a Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. The attacks risk rupturing a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been strained by frequent accusations of violations. The Israeli military has been carrying out a campaign against Hezbollah, saying the group continues to try to rebuild its capabilities despite the ceasefire. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since October 2023, with a ground operation in southern Lebanon carried out by the IDF in September 2024.