Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated dramatically after Afghanistan’s Taliban led government claimed to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, marking one of the most severe flare-ups in recent years along the disputed frontier.
According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, Afghan forces conducted a large scale retaliatory strike in response to what they described as “repeated violations” of Afghan territory and airspace by Pakistani military forces.
“Afghanistan’s sovereignty has been violated continuously. Our forces responded decisively, capturing 25 enemy posts, killing 58 Pakistani soldiers, and wounding 30 more,” said Mujahid in an official statement.
Pakistan Silent on Attack Allegations
Earlier in the week, Afghan officials accused Pakistan of launching airstrikes on Kabul and a marketplace in eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad has neither confirmed nor denied the accusations and has yet to issue a formal response to the latest claims from Kabul.
Independent verification of the Taliban’s claims remains difficult due to restricted media access in the border regions, and both sides have historically issued conflicting casualty reports during similar clashes.
Cross-Border Tensions on the Rise
The Durand Line, a 2,670-kilometer frontier that separates the two nations, has long been a flashpoint for violence, smuggling, and militant activity. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan government of harboring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters allegations Kabul denies.
In contrast, the Taliban claims that Pakistani airspace violations and cross border shelling have intensified, endangering Afghan civilians and provoking military retaliation.
International Concern
The sharp escalation has raised alarms among regional and international observers, with calls for restraint and dialogue. The United Nations and neighboring Iran and China have urged both nations to avoid further military confrontation and seek diplomatic channels to resolve disputes.
