Intense Border Clashes Erupt Along Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Followed by Taliban Warning

Afghanistan’s Taliban forces launched military retaliation against Pakistani troops along the shared border. This followed accusations that Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Afghan territory. These developments were confirmed by senior officials from various provinces on Saturday.

Intense Border Clashes Erupt Along Pakistan-Afghanistan Border

On Thursday, explosions rattled the Afghan capital, Kabul, and the southeast, followed by accusations from the Taliban-run defense ministry. They blamed Pakistan for these attacks, alleging a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Consequently, Taliban forces engaged Pakistani security in fierce confrontations along the border as a response to the alleged airstrikes.

Taliban’s Warning

• Inayat Khowarazm, a Taliban defense spokesman, claimed the operations were “successful” and concluded by midnight.
• Khowarazm warned of a strong response if Afghan territory is breached again.

Pakistan, meanwhile, has not confirmed responsibility for the recent attacks. Instead, Islamabad urged Kabul to cease harboring the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).

Ongoing Tensions and TTP’s Role

The TTP, known for sharing ideology with the Afghan Taliban, has been blamed for the deaths of hundreds of Pakistani soldiers since 2021. Taliban representatives from Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost, and Helmand provinces reported continued clashes along the border. Pakistani officials claimed their forces shot down three suspected Afghan quadcopters carrying explosives amidst the fighting.

International Reactions and Regional Concerns

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for restraint among neighboring countries. The TTP has intensified attacks in mountain regions bordering Afghanistan, escalating threats against Pakistani security. Kabul, however, denies harboring militants responsible for assaults on Pakistan. A UN report earlier this year highlighted substantial support for the TTP from Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.

Pakistan’s Stance

• Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed frustration over failed negotiations with the Afghan Taliban to halt TTP support.
• Asif declared Pakistan’s intention to respond assertively to any further facilitation of militants, regardless of hideout locations.

On the same day, the TTP claimed responsibility for deadly attacks in northwest Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of 20 security personnel and three civilians.