Taliban Kill 12 Pakistani Soldiers In Fierce Border Clashes, Seize Army Outposts

In a severe escalation of tensions, fierce firefights erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border late on Saturday, with Taliban forces reportedly killing at least 12 Pakistani soldiers and seizing multiple Pakistani Army outposts. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that its forces had overrun Pakistani positions along the disputed Durand Line in the volatile Kunar and Helmand provinces.The intense clashes mark one of the most significant military confrontations between the two neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. An Afghan Defense official stated, “Taliban forces have captured several outposts from the Pakistani Army across the Durand Line.”

Sources told Afghanistan’s TOLO news that intense fighting was also reported in Bahramcha and Aryub Zazi districts, with Pakistani forces suffering casualties and losing weapons and vehicles to the Taliban fighters.Afghan officials have framed the operation as a retaliatory measure. Enayatullah Khowarazmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense, said the clashes were a response to Pakistan’s recent violation of Afghan airspace.

“If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan’s airspace, our armed forces are prepared to defend their airspace and will deliver a strong response,” he warned.Pakistan, however, described the incident as “unprovoked firing” from Afghanistan, with security officials stating that their forces were responding “with full force.”The fighting appears to be a direct consequence of a recent, unconfirmed Pakistani airstrike near Kabul.

Following that strike, Afghanistan’s military corps had vowed “retaliatory” operations. The conflict has reportedly spread across several provinces, including Paktia, Paktika, Khost, and Nangarhar, with the Afghan Defense Ministry claiming that Pakistani facilities and equipment were destroyed in the attacks.The escalating violence has drawn international concern, with Qatar calling on both sides to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.

Analysts warn that the clashes highlight the fragile and increasingly volatile nature of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, which have long been strained by territorial disputes and mutual accusations of harbouring militants.