Why it matters:
The latest confrontations mark the most serious escalation between the two neighbors since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The fighting risks spilling over into a broader regional crisis and could destabilize security, trade, and counterterrorism efforts across the region.
The big picture:
The cross-border violence follows accusations from Kabul that Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan territory, including one that allegedly struck a market in the Margha region of Paktika province. Islamabad has not confirmed responsibility for the attack. Still, it maintains that militant groups operating from Afghan soil — particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — are responsible for a surge in terrorist incidents inside Pakistan.
What they are saying:
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, told TOLO News:
“In the overnight clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani soldiers, 58 Pakistani troops were killed and 30 others wounded. A significant amount of Pakistani weapons also fell into the hands of Afghan forces.”
He added that more than 20 Taliban soldiers were also killed or wounded.
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the Taliban's claims, calling the attacks “unprovoked.”
Context:
Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have risen steadily since the Taliban takeover, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of failing to prevent TTP attacks and Kabul rejecting the allegations. Analysts warn that further escalation could undermine regional diplomacy and complicate joint counterterrorism operations.
Key points:
Casualties: Taliban claims 58 Pakistani soldiers killed, 30 wounded; over 20 Taliban fighters also killed or injured.
Military engagement: Both sides accuse each other of artillery fire and cross-border violations along the 2,640-km (1,640-mile) Durand Line.
Propaganda war: Kabul says it captured three Pakistani border posts; Pakistan’s state media reports taking control of 19 Afghan outposts.
Regional diplomacy: Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have called for restraint and dialogue to defuse the crisis.
Go deeper:
Pakistani Forces Kill 8 Terrorists in Cross-Border Clashes
Zohre Khazaee - A.Akbari
