Border Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Escalate
On Sunday, Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the deaths of 58 Pakistani soldiers during a nighttime border operation. This action was taken after accusations against Pakistan for frequent territorial breaches.
The Taliban government stated that Afghan forces successfully took control of 25 Pakistani military outposts and also reported 30 injuries among Pakistani troops, labeling the operation as “retaliatory and successful.” In contrast, Pakistan challenged these figures, stating that 23 of its soldiers were killed during the confrontations.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid addressed reporters in Kabul, asserting that “the situation on all official and de facto borders of Afghanistan is fully under control and illegal activities have been largely stopped.”
This armed conflict follows Afghan claims that Pakistan conducted bomb attacks on Kabul and markets in eastern Afghanistan earlier in the week, a charge that Pakistan has not accepted responsibility for.
As tensions rise, the main trade route between the two nations remained shut on Sunday. The Torkham crossing did not open at its scheduled time, and individuals were turned away at the Chaman crossing, including Afghan refugees trying to exit Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military announced the destruction of several strongholds inside Afghanistan, which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described as a provocation. They claimed that over 200 “Taliban and affiliated terrorists have been neutralized.”
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister currently visiting India, expressed that Afghanistan seeks peace but maintains the right to self-defense. He mentioned, “We hope for a peaceful resolution of the situation, but there are other options if peace efforts are not successful.”
In light of the escalating border tensions, both Saudi Arabia and Qatar have called for restraint and dialogue to avert further conflict.
The ongoing border issues arise as Pakistan grapples with a rise in militancy in areas close to Afghanistan, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of sheltering insurgents who launch attacks into its territory, a claim that Afghanistan contests.
