The Taliban government in Afghanistan has confirmed that it conducted attacks on Pakistani troops in several mountainous areas along the northern border. A Taliban spokesman reported that 58 Pakistani military personnel were killed in what was described as a retaliatory action against Pakistan’s alleged violation of Afghan airspace and bombing of a market within Afghanistan.
Pakistan disputes the Taliban’s casualty figures, stating that 23 of its soldiers died in the attacks. The Pakistani military claimed to have neutralized around 200 Taliban fighters in response.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Afghan attacks as unprovoked, asserting that civilians were targeted. He warned that Pakistan would respond decisively to any further aggression.
The border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including Torkham and Chaman, have been closed, leaving many trucks stranded. Both sides reportedly engaged in exchanges of small arms and artillery fire in the Kunar-Kurram region.
At a press conference, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that in addition to the reported Pakistani military casualties, around 30 others were wounded. He acknowledged the deaths of nine Taliban fighters and injuries to between 16 and 18 others.
Pakistan’s military has not issued an official statement but sources indicated that heavy firing occurred at various locations along the border. A police official near the Kurram district reported intense gunfire originating from the Afghan side.
Recent tensions have escalated amid accusations from both sides, with the Taliban alleging that Pakistan bombed a civilian market in Afghanistan. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring the Pakistan Taliban, which conducts operations against the Islamabad government.
