The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has seen a major escalation as both sides reported heavy clashes. Pakistan claims that over 200 Afghan soldiers were killed during overnight operations along the frontier. Reuters reported the figure but noted it could not independently verify the claims. Meanwhile, the Taliban confirmed 9 deaths on their side.
Pakistan Captures Afghan Posts
The Pakistan Army has seized 19 Afghan military posts and what it describes as “terrorist hideouts” in response to what it called “unprovoked” attacks by Afghan forces. The operations were carried out along key locations near the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan border areas.
Earlier, the Taliban government’s chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that Afghan forces captured 25 Pakistani army posts. The conflicting reports highlight the ongoing volatility and lack of clarity on the ground.
Foreign Minister Calls for Taliban Action
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister emphasized that the Afghan Taliban must act against “terrorist elements and perpetrators that wish to derail Pak-Afghanistan relations,” Reuters reported. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of backing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan says has killed hundreds of its soldiers since 2021.
A UN report released earlier this year claimed that the TTP continues to receive “substantial logistical and operational support from the de facto authorities” in Kabul, further straining relations between the two countries.
Why is Pakistan angry?
Although Pakistan has not officially confirmed Taliban involvement in attacks in Kabul, the Defence Minister’s statements in Parliament indicate Islamabad’s frustration. “Enough is enough,” he said. “The Pakistani government and army’s patience has run out.” Efforts to convince the Afghan Taliban to curb support for TTP militants reportedly failed, prompting Pakistan to take military action along the border.
Residents on both sides of the border have been forced to flee due to shelling and heavy fighting. The clashes have disrupted daily life and raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
International Reactions and Regional Stability
The tensions come at a time when the international community has repeatedly urged both nations to maintain peace and prevent civilian casualties. The border region has been historically sensitive, with disputes over territorial control and cross-border terrorism adding to the instability.
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have indicated that they will continue defensive operations along the border. Analysts warn that sustained conflict could escalate into a larger confrontation, affecting regional stability and international relations.
