Lagatar24 Desk
Kabul: Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have sharply escalated after Pakistani forces carried out air and ground strikes on Taliban targets in major Afghan cities. Islamabad has described the situation as an “open war,” while the Taliban claims to be preparing retaliatory operations, including the deployment of a so-called “suicide battalion.”
Pakistan Launches Air and Ground Strikes
According to Pakistan’s state broadcaster, air and ground operations targeted Taliban posts, headquarters, and ammunition depots along the Durand Line — the 2,600-km border between the two countries. Pakistani officials claimed 133 Taliban fighters were killed, over 200 wounded, 27 posts destroyed, and nine captured. These figures could not be independently verified.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets were reported to be patrolling Afghan airspace, including Kandahar, following the strikes. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Islamabad’s “cup of patience has overflowed,” formally declaring an open conflict with the Taliban administration.
Taliban Announces Retaliatory Operations
In response, Afghanistan’s Bakhtar News Agency published images of what it described as a battalion of suicide attackers equipped with explosive vests and vehicle-borne bombs. Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman for the Taliban, said intensive offensive and retaliatory operations were underway in Paktia, Paktika, and Khost provinces along the Durand Line.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Pakistani airstrikes hit areas in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. The Taliban reported 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 posts seized, while acknowledging eight Afghan fighters killed, 11 wounded, and 13 civilians injured in Nangarhar.
Border Dispute and Escalation Risks
The conflict stems from Pakistan’s long-standing accusation that the Afghan Taliban government harbours militants from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State groups who conduct attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied these allegations, calling Pakistan’s security challenges an internal matter.
Clashes intensified after Taliban forces launched what they described as retaliatory strikes on Pakistani military installations. Both sides released videos showing artillery fire, burning buildings, and thick plumes of smoke rising from targeted sites.
Security analysts warn that continued hostilities could trigger a prolonged and destabilizing conflict along the volatile frontier, further straining already tense relations between the two neighbours.
