Clashes erupt between Pakistan and Afghanistan

A spate of violence on the border between the two countries adds to rising tensions after Kabul accused Islamabad of air raids

Heavy fighting erupted on Saturday along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, officials from both sides have confirmed, after mutual accusations of airspace violations and attacks. 

Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry said its forces launched “successful retaliatory operations” against Pakistani security positions “along the Durand Line” in response to what it described as repeated Pakistani air raids. The statement, posted on X by spokesman Enayat Khowarazm, added that “the operation concluded” at around midnight. 

A Pakistani provincial official, Jan Achakzai, confirmed that fighting had taken place, writing on X that Pakistani forces had “delivered a strong response to Afghan aggression.” 

“Afghan forces launched unprovoked attacks on five to six locations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, targeting Pakistani posts,” he stated. The Pakistani army’s response “was so intense that Afghan attackers were forced to retreat, leaving behind their casualties,” he claimed. He added that “Pakistan’s borders are secure… the Afghan government should remember that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness.” 

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Neither side has released information about casualties, and it is currently not possible to independently verify the claims. 

The incident follows explosions on Thursday in Kabul, which Afghan officials blamed on Pakistani air strikes. Islamabad has not confirmed carrying out any cross-border attacks. 

The recent escalation in tensions between the two neighbors has been attributed to border security and militant activity. Islamabad has accused Kabul of sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters, allegations that the Taliban administration rejects. 

The fighting comes as Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visits India for talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with New Delhi. Afghan officials have said the trip is part of efforts to expand regional cooperation.