Tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border surged on Thursday as Afghan forces, under the Taliban administration, launched a major offensive against Pakistani military positions. The action came in direct response to recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory that had caused significant casualties.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the operations targeted Pakistani military bases and installations along the Durand Line, citing repeated violations by Pakistani forces. He told AFP that Afghan troops captured more than 15 Pakistani outposts within two hours of the assault. Mujahid further claimed that dozens of Pakistani soldiers were killed, with 10 bodies transferred to areas including Kunar province, alongside several wounded individuals and others taken alive. No immediate Afghan casualties were reported from the Afghan side.
The attacks occurred at multiple frontier points, with activity confirmed in provinces such as Kunar by the governor’s office and local residents speaking to AFP. Afghan officials indicated operations extended to other provinces as well.
Pakistan’s information ministry described the incident as unprovoked fire opened by Taliban forces across several sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In a post on X, the ministry reported that Pakistani troops mounted an immediate and effective counter-response, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers while destroying multiple posts and equipment. Islamabad emphasized that the assault was being met with decisive action to protect its territory.
This latest flare-up follows Pakistani airstrikes days earlier on provinces including Nangarhar and Paktika. The UN mission in Afghanistan reported at least 13 civilian deaths in those strikes, while the Taliban government put the toll at least 18 and rejected Pakistan’s assertion of over 80 militants eliminated.
Cross-border exchanges also took place on Tuesday without reported losses. Relations between the two neighbors have deteriorated sharply in recent months, exacerbated by fighting in October that left more than 70 people dead on both sides. That prompted the closure of key land border crossings and failed ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkey. Saudi Arabia recently facilitated the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured during the October clashes.
Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups responsible for attacks on its soil, including recent suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State group and its regional affiliate Islamic State-Khorasan. The Taliban administration denies these allegations.
The dueling claims highlight the fragile state of bilateral ties, with both militaries now engaged in active retaliation amid ongoing security concerns.
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