A fresh wave of violence erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border over the weekend, leading to intense exchanges of fire and heavy casualties on both sides. Pakistan claimed on Sunday that it had seized 19 Afghan military posts and several terrorist hideouts in retaliatory action after what it described as “unprovoked attacks” by Afghan forces.
According to security sources in Pakistan, the military launched **precision strikes** targeting Afghan positions across multiple border regions, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, and Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as Baramcha in Balochistan. The operation reportedly came in response to cross-border shelling and armed attacks by Taliban-led Afghan forces.
Meanwhile, the Taliban government in Kabul painted a starkly different picture. The Afghan Ministry of Defense confirmed that it had carried out “retaliatory and successful operations” against Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of violating Afghan territory. In an official statement, the ministry warned, “If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, our armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation’s borders and will deliver a strong response.”*
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that the clashes resulted in 58 Pakistani soldiers killed and around 30 others injured. He also alleged that 20 Pakistani security outposts were destroyed, and large quantities of weapons and military equipment were seized during the overnight assault.
However, Pakistan rejected these claims, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi calling the Taliban’s actions “unprovoked and reckless”, asserting that Afghan forces had fired upon civilians near the border regions. He maintained that Pakistan’s operations were purely defensive and aimed at securing its territorial integrity.
Reports indicate that nine Afghan soldiers were killed and 16 wounded in the cross-border confrontation, which was reportedly halted at midnight following diplomatic intervention from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The flare-up marks one of the most serious military confrontations between the two neighbors since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. The Durand Line, a 2,600-kilometre border that both nations dispute, has long been a hotspot for militant movements and armed skirmishes.
Analysts warn that continued hostilities could further destabilize the already fragile relationship between Islamabad and Kabul, with regional powers watching closely amid growing security concerns.
Both countries have yet to issue a formal ceasefire statement, but regional diplomatic channels are reportedly working to de-escalate the situation.
