Intense firefights erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, marking a significant escalation in tensions, as Taliban-led Afghan forces seized several Pakistani Army outposts along the Durand Line, including in the volatile Kunar and Helmand provinces, according to a statement from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence.
An Afghan defence official declared, “Taliban forces have captured several outposts from the Pakistani Army across the Durand Line in Kunar and Helmand provinces.”
Sources said that at least 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several others injured in the ongoing clashes. Heavy fighting was noted in the Shakij, Bibi Jani, and Salehan areas of Bahramcha district, as well as in Aryub Zazi district of Paktia province. Pakistani security officials responded, stating their forces were countering the attacks “with full force,” describing the Afghan firing as unprovoked.
Enayatullah Khowarazmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence, explained that the operation was a retaliatory response to Pakistan’s alleged violation of Afghan airspace. He noted that the clashes had ended by midnight local time, adding, “If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan's airspace, our armed forces are prepared to defend their airspace and will deliver a strong response.”
Qatar expressed concern over the escalating border tensions, urging both Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint and resolve their disputes through dialogue. The clashes follow reports of a Pakistani airstrike near Kabul days earlier, which Afghanistan’s 201 Khalid bin Walid Army Corps cited as the trigger for “retaliatory” operations targeting Pakistani military positions in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied the airstrike.
Local sources informed that additional clashes broke out in Paktia’s Aryoub Zazi district, spreading to Spina Shaga, Giwi, Mani Jabha, and nearby areas along the disputed Durand Line. The Afghan Defence Ministry reported, “Pakistani side’s facilities and equipment were destroyed in tonight’s attacks,” claiming that one outpost each in Kunar and Helmand was demolished, with Pakistani forces suffering casualties and losing several weapons and vehicles to Taliban fighters.
The conflict has reportedly expanded to include simultaneous fighting in Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Helmand, and Nangarhar provinces. Analysts describe this as one of the most severe border escalations since the Taliban regained power in 2021, underscoring the fragile and volatile nature of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, long strained by territorial disputes and mutual allegations of supporting militants.
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