English
Afghanistan Pakistan border clashes have reignited deadly tensions between the neighboring nations, with both sides reporting heavy casualties after overnight fighting. Afghan officials said Sunday their forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and captured 25 border posts, while Pakistan claimed only 23 troops died in the clashes.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban government, told reporters in Kabul that Afghan troops responded to repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace. He said the country’s borders are now under “complete control” and that “illegal activities have been largely prevented.”
Retaliation and Border Shutdowns
Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry said its forces launched “retaliatory and successful operations” along the border. “If the opposing side violates Afghanistan’s integrity again, our armed forces are ready to respond,” the ministry said.
In response to the fighting, both main border crossings — Torkham and Chaman — were closed on Sunday. Afghan refugees attempting to cross into Pakistan were turned back due to the deteriorating security situation. Witnesses in Chaman reported hearing fighter jets and seeing smoke rising from the Afghan city of Spin Boldak after explosions.
Regional Powers Urge Calm
Pakistan accused Kabul of harboring members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad blames for deadly attacks inside its borders. Afghanistan rejected the claim, insisting it does not allow militants to use its soil against other countries.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar urged both sides to show restraint and resolve the conflict through dialogue. Riyadh, which recently signed a defense pact with Pakistan, called for “wisdom and de-escalation” to maintain regional stability.
Meanwhile, India, a longtime rival of Pakistan, has strengthened ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government. New Delhi recently upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, signaling growing influence in the region.
Islamabad’s Response
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Afghan assault, saying the army “destroyed several Afghan posts and forced them to retreat.” Pakistani officials released unverified videos showing destroyed Afghan checkpoints, while claiming their forces neutralized over 200 Taliban fighters.
The Afghanistan Pakistan border clashes mark one of the deadliest confrontations since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. With more than 2,600 kilometers of disputed frontier known as the Durand Line, the two countries remain trapped in cycles of mistrust and violence.
