Islamabad/Kabul: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated following fresh cross-border clashes and competing military claims along the disputed Durand Line.
The Afghan Taliban have claimed to have launched a large-scale retaliatory offensive across multiple border sectors, alleging that their fighters captured one military headquarters and 19 outposts. According to a Taliban spokesperson, 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, 23 bodies were taken, and dozens of weapons and a vehicle were seized during the operations.
The Taliban stated that the offensives were carried out in eastern Afghan provinces, including Kunar, Khost, and Nangarhar, describing them as retaliation for what they called prior Pakistani military actions. The spokesperson added that operations are ongoing.
Pakistani authorities, however, have previously stated that their forces are responding to “unprovoked firing” and cross-border militant activity. Islamabad maintains that its military actions are defensive in nature and aimed at safeguarding territorial integrity.
The Durand Line has long been a source of tension between the two countries, with periodic clashes flaring over border security, militant movements, and sovereignty disputes. Observers warn that continued escalation could further destabilize already volatile border regions.
