By Bharat Global Time | May 23, 2025
Kabul/Washington – In a dramatic escalation, U.S. forces launched a surprise airstrike on a high-level Taliban weapons depot in eastern Afghanistan late Tuesday night, killing at least 17 militants and injuring dozens more. The strike, carried out by MQ-25 stealth drones and F-35s, is being hailed as the biggest American offensive since the 2021 withdrawal.
The Pentagon confirmed the operation, stating it was a response to the Taliban’s continued support for foreign terror cells operating near the Pakistan border.
“This was a precision mission against a credible threat. America will not tolerate terrorist havens,” said U.S. Defense Secretary Maria Klein.
Taliban on the Back Foot
The strike caught the Taliban leadership off guard. Initial reports suggest that several key commanders may have been among the casualties, sparking panic in Jalalabad and Khost. The Taliban government has condemned the strike, calling it a “violation of sovereignty”, but so far, no retaliatory action has been taken.
Security analysts say the strike signals a shift in U.S. posture, especially amid growing concerns of Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K regrouping in Taliban-controlled areas.
Geopolitical Shockwave: A Big Test for India, China & Pakistan
The American offensive has sent shockwaves across Asia, putting regional powers on high alert:
- India: New Delhi, which has been quietly reopening its diplomatic backchannels with Kabul, may now face a security dilemma. Increased U.S. presence could bring stability, but also draw in proxy conflict dynamics involving Pakistan.
- China: Beijing, which has heavily invested in Afghanistan under the Belt and Road Initiative, sees this as a threat to its economic interests and regional leverage. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called for “restraint and respect for sovereignty.”
- Pakistan: Perhaps the most uncomfortable player now, Islamabad faces renewed scrutiny over its alleged links to Taliban factions. With U.S. jets striking close to the Durand Line, Pakistan’s military calculus may soon change.
“This is a litmus test for the region,” said Dr. Arvind Sinha, a former Indian envoy to Afghanistan.
“India must watch carefully, but avoid being dragged into another power struggle.”
Yuvraj Singh Reacts: “Security of South Asia Cannot Be Ignored”
In an unexpected comment, former Indian cricketer and humanitarian Yuvraj Singh weighed in on the situation during a youth peace summit in Mumbai.
“It’s not just about bombs and politics. It’s about our people. If Afghanistan is unstable, it affects all of South Asia — especially India. We can’t ignore that.”
Singh, who has been active in sports diplomacy and youth outreach in border states, urged young people to demand peaceful solutions and stronger democratic institutions.
