Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dozens of fighters have lost their lives in intense overnight clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, marking the most serious conflict between the two neighbors since the Taliban regained power in Kabul in 2021.

According to the Pakistan military, 23 Pakistani soldiers were killed during the skirmishes. Meanwhile, the Taliban reported nine fatalities on their side. Both nations claimed to have inflicted significantly higher losses on the opposing side, with Pakistan claiming over 200 Taliban fighters were killed, while Afghan authorities said 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed. These figures could not be independently verified.

The recent clashes erupted following Pakistan’s demand that the Taliban take action against militants allegedly operating from Afghan territory and carrying out attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban denied the presence of Pakistani militants within Afghanistan.

Tensions escalated further after Pakistan reportedly carried out airstrikes in Kabul and in a marketplace in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday. The Taliban responded with retaliatory attacks targeting Pakistani border posts. Pakistan has not officially acknowledged these airstrikes.

On Saturday night, Afghan troops fired on Pakistani positions, prompting Pakistan to respond with gun and artillery fire. Both sides also reported destroying the other side’s border posts during the exchanges. The major confrontations had largely subsided by Sunday morning, although intermittent gunfire continued in Pakistan’s Kurram region. Afghan officials stated that their operations ended at midnight, though clashes persisted in some areas.

Efforts to calm tensions included diplomatic intervention from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Kabul confirmed that Afghan forces had halted attacks following requests from these two nations. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan remained committed to defending its territory.

Border Closures:
In response to the clashes, Pakistan closed several border crossings along the 2,600-kilometer (1,600-mile) Durand Line, a colonial-era frontier. The main crossings at Torkham and Chaman, as well as smaller crossings at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan, were all shut down to ensure security.

The airstrikes coincided with a rare visit to India by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which India announced plans to upgrade relations with Kabul. Pakistan has expressed concern over the visit given its longstanding rivalry with India.

The violence highlights growing instability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with militants in the region continuing to pose a threat to security and peace in both countries. Authorities on both sides have urged caution and called for restraint to prevent further escalation.

#Global