Afghanistan Claims Dozens of Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Border Clashes
Afghanistan reported today that its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, escalating tensions between the two nations following accusations of cross-border attacks.
The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated at a press conference in Kabul that Afghan forces also captured 25 Pakistani army posts and wounded 30 soldiers. “The situation on all official borders and de facto lines of Afghanistan is under complete control, and illegal activities have been largely prevented,” Mujahid said. These clashes follow Afghan accusations earlier this week that Pakistan bombed Kabul and a market in eastern Afghanistan, allegations Pakistan has not confirmed. The escalating conflict raises concerns about regional stability, particularly as both countries grapple with internal security challenges.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he described as Afghan provocations yesterday, claiming the Pakistani army responded effectively and destroyed Afghan posts. The Torkham and Chaman border crossings, vital trade routes between the two countries, remained closed this morning. Pakistan has previously conducted strikes within Afghanistan targeting alleged militant hideouts, but these have typically occurred in remote areas. For more information on the complex history of the region, see the Council on Foreign Relations’ page on Afghanistan.
The dispute centers on accusations that Afghanistan harbors members of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, a banned group responsible for attacks inside Pakistan – a charge Kabul denies. The two countries share a 2,611-kilometer border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not recognize. Saudi Arabia has called for restraint and dialogue, following a recent mutual defense pact with Pakistan.
Officials say that if Afghanistan’s territorial integrity is violated again, the Afghan armed forces are prepared to deliver a strong response.
