Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply over the weekend, with both sides reporting heavy casualties in cross-border clashes that mark one of the most serious flare-ups in months of strained relations.
Pakistan’s military said on Sunday that it had killed over 200 Afghan fighters and lost 23 soldiers in retaliatory operations after a series of explosions in Afghanistan that the Taliban blamed on Islamabad. The Taliban, meanwhile, claimed to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, wounded 30 more, and captured multiple border posts in Kunar and Helmand provinces.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, said nine Taliban soldiers were killed and several others injured in the overnight fighting. He claimed Taliban forces had seized Pakistani weapons during the assault.
Pakistan’s state media countered that its forces had taken control of 19 Afghan border posts and destroyed key Taliban installations, including the Manojba camp and Kharchar Fort. Footage aired by PTV showed Afghan posts burning and Taliban fighters allegedly surrendering.
The clashes followed Thursday’s explosions in Kabul and Paktika, which the Taliban accused Pakistan of orchestrating. Islamabad has not taken responsibility but has strongly warned Kabul against continued hostilities.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told parliament that “enough is enough,” suggesting that Islamabad had targeted TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud in Kabul a claim not officially confirmed.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated, primarily over Pakistan’s accusation that the Taliban harbors members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an armed group responsible for deadly attacks inside Pakistan. The TTP has stepped up its campaign in recent months, with August marking its deadliest month of violence in over a decade.
The fighting has displaced tens of thousands in Pakistan and provoked concern from regional powers. Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have called for restraint and dialogue. “Stability between the countries contributes to regional stability,” said Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.
The violence comes amid Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, further straining ties with Islamabad, which has accused New Delhi of supporting terrorism in the region a charge India denies.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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