In brief
In a recent escalation of violence at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the Taliban has confirmed attacks on Pakistani military personnel, claiming 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliation for alleged violations of Afghan airspace and attacks on civilians. Pakistan disputes this figure, reporting 23 military deaths and asserting that hundreds of associated fighters were neutralized. The conflict continues to strain diplomatic relations, with both nations trading accusations of terrorism and border violations. Calls for restraint have come from neighboring states, adding an international dimension to the ongoing tensions.
The Taliban government has confirmed that it attacked Pakistani troops in multiple mountainous locations on the northern border.
A Taliban spokesman said 58 Pakistani military personnel had been killed in what it called an act of retaliation. It claimed Pakistan had violated Afghan airspace and bombed a market inside its border on Thursday.
Pakistan has disputed that figure, saying 23 of its armed forces' members had died and claiming that 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists have been neutralized.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the Afghan attacks were unprovoked and civilians were fired at, warning that his country's forces would respond with a stone for every brick.
Islamabad has accused Kabul of harbouring terrorists who target Pakistan on its soil, a claim the Taliban government rejected.
Both sides are said to be using small arms and artillery in the Kunar-Kurram region. Additionally, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has reported injuries on both sides and has indicated that nine Taliban fighters were killed as well.
The ongoing conflict has prompted the closure of the two key crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving many trucks stranded and exacerbating tensions. Both sides have expressed their commitment to defend their borders, while international calls for dialogue grow louder amid fears of further escalation.
