Kabul: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated after Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory triggered retaliation from Taliban forces and heavy clashes along the border.
Pakistan said its military carried out strikes targeting militant groups it claims operate from Afghan soil, including fighters linked to Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan. According to officials in Islamabad, the operations were aimed at preventing cross border attacks that have caused deadly violence inside Pakistan in recent months.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of national sovereignty. Taliban authorities said civilians were killed and homes damaged, and vowed to respond to what they described as aggression.
Following the air raids, fighting intensified along several sections of the long and porous border. Afghan sources reported retaliatory operations and claimed control of some border posts, while Pakistan said its forces destroyed militant positions and inflicted heavy casualties.
Taliban linked sources also claimed that Afghan forces shot down a Pakistani military aircraft during the confrontation. Pakistan has denied losing any aircraft, and independent verification of the claim has not been confirmed. Analysts note that videos circulating online have not been verified.
Pakistan’s defence minister described the situation as open war, accusing Kabul of sheltering militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Taliban authorities reject the accusation and insist they do not allow armed groups to use Afghan territory against other countries.
The latest escalation follows weeks of rising violence and mutual accusations. Pakistan has repeatedly blamed cross border militant attacks on bases inside Afghanistan, while the Taliban leadership says Pakistan’s strikes are harming civilians and worsening instability.
Casualty figures remain unclear, with both sides reporting losses. Humanitarian concerns are growing as residents near the border flee their homes and trade routes face disruption.
Observers warn that the confrontation marks one of the most serious crises between the two neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Diplomats and regional analysts are urging restraint to prevent the conflict from expanding into a wider war.