In a dramatic escalation of tensions between neighboring nations, Afghanistan announced on Sunday that its forces had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations. The Taliban government described the action as a retaliatory response to repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace by Pakistan. Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities had accused Pakistan of bombing Kabul and a market in eastern Afghanistan, though Islamabad denied responsibility. The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that Afghan forces had also captured 25 Pakistani army posts and wounded 30 soldiers. The Torkham border crossing, a vital trade route between the two countries, remained closed on Sunday, further straining relations. Pakistan, meanwhile, accused Afghanistan of harboring members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group Islamabad blames for deadly attacks within its borders. Kabul has consistently denied these allegations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Afghan assault, asserting that Pakistan’s army had responded decisively, destroying several Afghan posts and forcing a retreat. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the escalating tensions, urging both sides to prioritize dialogue and restraint. The conflict underscores the fragile security dynamics along the 2,611-kilometer Durand Line, a border Afghanistan has never formally recognized.
Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations
