kabul, Oct 12
Violent clashes erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Saturday night left dozens dead on both sides prompting Pakistan to close its main border crossings with Afghanistan on Sunday.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, said 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed during the fighting. At the same time, nine Taliban fighters also lost their lives and 16 others were injured, according to Afghanistan’s Tolo News. The clashes took place across multiple border regions, including Helma-nd, Kandahar, Paktika, Khost, Paktia, Zabul, Nangarhar, and Kunar provinces. Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid described the strikes as a “resolute response” to what he called repeated violations by Pakistan. He warned that Afghan forces remain on high alert along the Durand Line and promised a stronger response if Pakistan repeats such actions. Afghan troops reportedly captured three Pakistani security posts in the Bahramcha district, Helmand province, according to Maulvi Mohammad Qasim Riaz, spokesperson for Helmand’s provincial government.
In response to the clashes, Pakistan closed its major border crossings at Torkham and Chaman, as well as smaller routes at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan, according to foreign media reports.
Pakistan said the violence began when Taliban forces allegedly fired on several Pakistani border posts, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha. Pakistani security officials claimed the firing was intended to allow banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members to cross into Pakistan. Pakistan’s Minister of Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, described the Afghan attacks as “unprovoked” and said Pakistani forces responded firmly, emphasizing that attacks on civilians violate international law.
The escalation came after earlier allegations from Afghan authorities that Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Kabul and other areas in eastern Afghanistan, though Islamabad has not claimed responsibility.
The situation has significantly escalated tensions along the Durand Line, raising concerns over border security and the potential for further clashes between the two countries.
