Background of the Clashes
ISLAMABAD — Firefights erupted along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border late Saturday night, escalating already strained relations between the two countries.
According to security officials, Taliban forces attacked Pakistani border posts in retaliation for a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul earlier this week, which allegedly targeted the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) leadership.
Cross-Border Firefight Details
Pakistani security officials confirmed that the clashes occurred at more than six locations along the 2,600 km-long border.
They described the incident as “unprovoked firing” from the Afghan side, saying Pakistan responded with full force.
Video footage shared by Pakistani security officials showed gunfire and artillery lighting up the night sky as both sides exchanged heavy fire.
Taliban officials claimed they captured three Pakistani border posts, while Pakistani forces destroyed several Afghan positions.
Taliban Retaliation Statement
Enayatullah Khowarazmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense, said the action was a direct response to Pakistan’s airstrike, which Kabul says violated its airspace.
“If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan’s airspace, our armed forces are prepared to defend and deliver a strong response,” Khowarazmi stated.
The Taliban attack concluded at midnight, but officials did not confirm if the clashes had fully ended by early Sunday morning.
Growing Tensions and Regional Impact
Tensions between the two neighbors have surged as Islamabad accuses the Taliban of harboring TTP militants, allegedly backed by India.
- New Delhi denies the allegations.
- The Taliban insist they do not allow Afghan territory to be used against other countries.
The escalation comes just days after the Taliban foreign minister visited India, a move that raised concerns in Pakistan about shifting regional alliances.
Rising Militant Attacks in Pakistan
Pakistan has experienced a sharp increase in militant attacks since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Islamabad warned Kabul earlier this week that its “patience had run out”, hinting at more aggressive measures if the TTP threat persists.
A senior Pakistani security official told Reuters the Kabul airstrike targeted a TTP leader, though it remains unclear if he survived.
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