Taliban kill 12 Pakistani soldiers in 'retaliatory' cross-border clashes
What's the story
Intense clashes have erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with Taliban-led Afghan forces seizing several Pakistani Army outposts, according to a statement by an Afghan defense official. The fighting has been particularly fierce in Kunar and Helmand provinces, according to Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence. At least 12 Pakistani soldiers have been killed and many more injured in the ongoing conflict, TOLOnews reported.
Retaliation
Pakistan responding 'with full force': Officials
Pakistani security officials have claimed their forces are responding "with full force" to what they describe as unprovoked firing from Afghanistan. Enayatullah Khowarazmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence, said the operation was a "retaliatory measure" against Pakistan's violation of Afghan airspace. He warned that if such violations continue, Afghanistan would defend its airspace and respond strongly. On Friday, the Afghan defense ministry blamed Pakistan for the Kabul and Paktika blasts.
Diplomatic efforts
Qatar expresses concern over escalating tensions
The cross-border fighting comes after Pakistan allegedly carried out an airstrike near Kabul. This was followed by "retaliatory" operations by Afghanistan's 201 Khalid bin Walid Army Corps against Pakistani military positions in Nangarhar and Kunar. Qatar has expressed concern over the escalating tensions and urged both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.
Escalating conflict
Taliban call attacks 'retaliatory operations'
The Taliban government confirmed its attacks on Pakistani troops, calling them "retaliatory operations." Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attacks as "unprovoked" and accused the Taliban of firing at civilians. He warned that Pakistan would respond "with a stone for every brick." Islamabad has long accused Kabul of harboring terrorists who target Pakistan, a claim the Taliban denies.
International response
Saudi Arabia calls for self-restraint
Saudi Arabia has also called for self-restraint between Islamabad and Kabul after signing a mutual defense pact with Pakistan. The conflict has reportedly spread to Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Helmand, and Nangarhar provinces. India Today quoted analysts saying that this is one of the most intense escalations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.