Taliban Reports Killing 58 Pakistani Soldiers in Border Clashes
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has announced that its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and wounded 30 others in overnight border operations. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the operations took place at multiple border posts, adding that the situation at the border with Pakistan is under “complete control” and that “illegal activities have been largely prevented.”
The reported casualties have not been confirmed by Islamabad, but Pakistani state media outlets claim that the country’s military captured 19 Afghan posts from where attacks were being launched on Saturday night. A video broadcast by Pakistan Television showed Afghan posts in flames and Taliban soldiers allegedly surrendering in Kurram. According to Radio Pakistan, the Pakistani army also destroyed the Taliban’s Manojba Camp Battalion Headquarters, Jandusar Post, Turkmenzai Camp, and Kharchar Fort.
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the Afghan attacks as “unprovoked” and accused Afghan forces of firing on civilians. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attacks, stating that “there will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defense, and every provocation will be met with a strong and effective response.”
The clashes come days after explosions rocked the Afghan capital, Kabul, in an air strike that the Taliban blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attack, but stated that it would do everything necessary to protect its citizens. Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorism in recent months, which it blames on the outlawed group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Cross-border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have intensified in recent years, with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants. On Friday, Islamabad accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering fighters with the support of India, Pakistan’s regional rival. The escalation coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to Delhi, as the two nations normalize ties. Muttaqi denied the presence of TTP fighters in his country, stating that Kabul wants “good relations and peace” but is ready to firmly protect its interests and sovereignty.
The situation at the border remains volatile, with both sides exchanging accusations and engaging in military action. The conflict has significant implications for regional stability and security, and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming days.
