Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are engaged in intense border clashes along the Durand Line, with Pakistan claiming it killed over 200 Taliban fighters in self-defense operations. The escalating conflict has raised regional tensions and prompted international calls for restraint.
Pakistan Reports Heavy Taliban Losses
The Pakistan Army stated that its forces repelled attacks by Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) along the 2,600-kilometre Durand Line, killing over 200 fighters and destroying several terrorist training camps.
“Pakistani forces conducted precision strikes and ground raids against Taliban camps, posts, and terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory,” the army said.
Pakistan also claimed that 21 hostile positions on the Afghan side were temporarily captured, and multiple terrorist facilities were rendered inoperative.
Islamabad Issues Stern Warning to Kabul
The Pakistan Foreign Ministry described the actions as self-defense and issued a warning to Afghanistan that any further provocations will face a strong and decisive response.
“Pakistan not only repelled assaults along the border but also inflicted heavy losses on Taliban forces,” the ministry said.
Pakistan further criticized recent India-Afghanistan diplomatic talks, accusing Afghan officials of trying to divert attention from terrorist activity in Afghanistan.
Afghan Forces Retaliate
In response, Afghan officials claimed that their forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers during overnight retaliatory operations. Pakistan reported a lower figure of 23 casualties, describing the Afghan strikes as unprovoked.
These exchanges underscore the longstanding tensions along the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never officially recognized.
Impact on Trade and Regional Stability
The clashes have disrupted the Torkham border crossing, a vital trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have urged both countries to exercise restraint and called for dialogue to maintain regional security and stability.
