Afghanistan Claims 58 Pakistani Soldiers Killed
Afghanistan has claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 30 others wounded in overnight border operations. The clashes have intensified following an airstrike on Kabul earlier this week, which the Taliban blamed on Islamabad.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, said a “significant amount” of Pakistani weapons also fell into the hands of Afghan forces, according to TOLO news agency.
Mujahid confirmed nine Taliban soldiers were killed and nearly a dozen others injured during the operations.
Pakistan has not yet commented on Afghanistan’s claims.
Escalation Prompts International Concerns
The overnight fighting marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the neighboring countries, prompting calls for restraint from Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Mujahid stated that the Afghan operation was halted at the request of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Border Clashes and Retaliatory Attacks
Earlier, the Taliban said it captured three Pakistani border posts in Kunar and Helmand provinces.
Enayatullah Khwarizmi, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defence, said Taliban forces conducted “successful retaliatory attacks” in response to Pakistan’s repeated violations and airstrikes on Afghan territory.
On the other hand, Pakistani state media reported that its forces seized 19 Afghan border posts, with video footage showing Taliban posts in flames and fighters allegedly surrendering in Kurram.
Radio Pakistan stated that Pakistani forces destroyed several Taliban hideouts, including Manojba Camp, Jandusar Post, Turkmenzai Camp, and Kharchar Fort, targeting armed groups “with great precision”.
Pakistani Response Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the Afghan attacks as “unprovoked” and claimed Afghan forces fired on civilian populations. He said,
“Firing by Afghan forces on civilian population is a blatant violation of international laws. Pakistan’s brave forces have given a prompt and effective response that no provocation will be tolerated.”
Videos from PTV showed artillery fire lighting up the night sky during the Pakistani military response.
Background of Tensions
The clashes come days after explosions rocked Kabul in an airstrike the Taliban blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied involvement but accused the Taliban of harboring Pakistani Taliban fighters, allegedly with Indian support. India has denied the claims.
Calls for Restraint
Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia urged both sides to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and avoid escalation.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: “Both sides must exercise restraint. Stability between the countries contributes to regional stability.”
- Qatar Foreign Ministry: Expressed “deep concern” and urged diplomacy to reduce tensions and maintain regional security.
- Saudi Foreign Ministry: Called for restraint and dialogue, emphasizing peace and stability for Pakistani and Afghan peoples.
