NATO forces conducted an operation on November 26, 2011, targeting a Pakistani military check post along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which they claimed was responding to fire from Afghan insurgent positions. The operation tragically escalated, resulting in the deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers and injuries to 13 others. The incident, characterized as a case of friendly fire, occurred in the Khyber Agency of Pakistan, an area known for its complex terrain and active insurgent groups. The NATO operation had begun after an assessment of fire from the border area, which was believed to originate from insurgent activities. However, mistaken intelligence resulted in the targeting of Pakistani troops instead.

The aftermath of the incident was severe, with Pakistan expressing outrage over the loss of its soldiers, which the Pakistani government categorized as a violation of sovereignty. It led to a diplomatic rift between the U.S. and Pakistan, with Pakistan shutting down supply routes for NATO forces and demanding an investigation into the incident. This event is significant as it exemplified the fragility of U.S.-Pakistan relations, which were already strained due to ongoing issues concerning terrorism, military operations, and the presence of U.S. forces in the region.

In the ensuing weeks, the Pakistani military increased its strategic autonomy, feeling compelled to respond to domestic and international pressures. The NATO airstrike highlighted the complexities involved in military operations in border regions, where the engagements with insurgents are often intertwined with local military units, necessitating clearer communication and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.