Afghanistan announced on Sunday that it had eliminated 58 Pakistani soldiers during border operations overnight in retaliation for what it deemed as repeated infractions of its airspace and territorial boundaries. Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of carrying out attacks in Kabul and an eastern market, although Pakistan did not accept responsibility for the incidents.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban government, stated that Afghan forces had taken control of 25 Pakistani army posts, resulting in 58 soldiers killed and 30 wounded. Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan had full control over its official borders and had effectively curbed unauthorized activities. There was no immediate response from Pakistan regarding the reported casualties.
The Torkham border crossing, a vital trade route connecting the two nations, did not open at its regular time on Sunday, signaling heightened tensions. The Afghanistan-based Defence Ministry affirmed that its forces had conducted successful retaliatory operations along the border and were prepared to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.
Pakistan has previously targeted alleged militant hideouts inside Afghanistan, typically in remote regions. However, the recent clashes, including heavy confrontations on Saturday night, have intensified the longstanding discord between the two countries. The closure of the Chaman crossing in southwest Pakistan further exacerbated the situation, with individuals, including Afghan refugees, being turned away due to security concerns.
India and Pakistan have historically been at odds, with recent events in Kashmir exacerbating tensions. Accusations of harbouring militant groups and cross-border attacks have escalated the conflict. The involvement of regional powers like Saudi Arabia, which recently signed a defence pact with Pakistan, underscores the potential for further destabilization in the region.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the reported assault by Afghan forces, claiming that Pakistan’s army had retaliated and destroyed multiple Afghan posts. However, the veracity of these claims remains unverified as media access to these areas is restricted. Unrest along the border regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has raised concerns about escalating hostilities between the two nations.
The disputed Durand Line, spanning 2,611 kilometers and unrecognized by Afghanistan, continues to be a contentious issue between the neighboring countries. The recent clashes highlight the volatile nature of their relationship and the potential for further escalations.
