Afghan Forces Report Fatal Clashes with Pakistani Soldiers Amid Border Tensions
Tensions have intensified along the Durand Line as the Taliban administration in Afghanistan has reported that its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight operations along the border. Afghan officials further claimed that they captured 25 Pakistani military posts and injured 30 soldiers in response to what they alleged were repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid addressed the media, asserting that the current situation along both official and unofficial borders is "under complete control," with illegal activities being largely thwarted. These operations followed unconfirmed reports of airstrikes by Pakistan in Kabul and eastern Afghan regions, including civilian areas.
The Afghan Defence Ministry characterized the operations as "retaliatory and successful," issuing a warning that further breaches of Afghanistan's territorial integrity would encounter strong responses.
The escalation has affected cross-border commerce, notably with the Torkham border crossing, one of the primary trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, remaining closed on Sunday during its usual operating hours.
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of sheltering Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, responsible for deadly attacks in Pakistan. Kabul refuted these accusations, maintaining that it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized Afghanistan's actions, asserting that the Pakistani Army "gave a befitting reply," destroyed several Afghan posts, and compelled a retreat.
The international community has expressed concern over the conflict, with Qatar advocating for dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint between the two nations. The Saudi Foreign Ministry also urged for restraint, avoidance of escalation, and the use of dialogue to maintain regional stability. Analysts suggest that recent strategic developments, such as a defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, could influence the situation further.
A senior Pakistani security official reported that Afghan forces opened fire in multiple northwestern border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Bajaur, Mohmand, Angoor Adda, and Kurram. Pakistani troops reportedly responded with heavy weaponry in Tirah, Khyber district, and across the border in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.
The ongoing dispute over the 2,611-kilometer Durand Line continues to be a source of conflict, with Afghanistan rejecting it as an official border, thereby increasing the likelihood of further clashes.
