Pak-Afghan Clashes Intensify Amid Retaliatory Strikes
Heavy fighting erupted late Saturday along the Pakistan Afghanistan border after unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban forces targeted several Pakistani security posts, said official sources.
Pakistani troops responded swiftly and launched a strong counteroffensive that destroyed multiple Afghan positions and inflicted heavy losses on militant formations across the frontier, according to security sources.
The exchange followed allegations from Kabul earlier this week, accusing Pakistan of conducting air strikes near the Afghan capital and other eastern border regions.
In retaliation, Taliban border units claimed they fired back at Pakistani positions across various sectors, including Khost, Paktika, Nangarhar, and Helmand provinces.
Security officials in Islamabad confirmed the use of artillery, tanks, and heavy weapons, stating that Pakistani forces were targeting militant hideouts with remarkable precision.
Reports indicated that several Afghan soldiers were killed while militant networks, including Daesh affiliates, suffered significant losses in targeted operations near the border zone.
Pakistan has maintained that its actions were based on self defence, accusing the Afghan interim administration of harbouring Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan militants behind recent cross border attacks.
The Afghan Ministry of Defence stated that its forces conducted retaliatory operations against Pakistani troops and warned of a strong response to any future violations.
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Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have intensified in recent months amid rising militant activity and frequent border incidents blamed on groups operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan leaders have repeatedly warned that national patience is diminishing, citing a surge in terrorist attacks launched from Afghanistan under Taliban protection.
Kabul has denied providing sanctuaries to any militant organisations and accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty through unverified aerial operations inside its territory.
Earlier this week, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his official visit to India, criticised Pakistan for alleged air strikes near Kabul and surrounding provinces.
Pakistan military spokesperson reaffirmed that the country reserves the right to defend itself and will take necessary measures to protect its citizens and borders.
The Foreign Office described Pakistan counterterrorism operations as legitimate self defence, emphasising that Islamabad will continue to act against threats emanating from Afghan soil.
Ongoing clashes and growing diplomatic hostility have further strained bilateral relations, raising regional fears of renewed instability along one of the most volatile borders globally.
