Kabul, Oct 12: In a sharp escalation of cross-border tensions, Afghanistan on Sunday claimed that its forces had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and captured 25 military outposts in overnight retaliatory operations along the shared frontier, accusing Islamabad of repeated violations of its territorial sovereignty and airspace. The claim, announced by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid during a press conference in Kabul, marks one of the most serious confrontations between the two neighbors since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Mujahid said the operations were conducted in response to what he described as unprovoked aggression and persistent incursions by Pakistani forces. “Our security forces have taken full control of the situation on all official borders and de facto lines. Illegal movements and violations have been largely prevented,” Mujahid stated. According to him, in addition to the 58 soldiers killed, another 30 Pakistani troops were injured during the fighting. The Taliban also claimed to have taken control of 25 Pakistani military posts, though the exact locations were not disclosed.
There has been no official confirmation from Pakistan’s military regarding casualties or territorial losses. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a statement late Sunday rejecting Afghanistan’s claims and accusing the Taliban government of instigating the conflict. “The Pakistani army not only gave a befitting response to Afghanistan’s provocations but also destroyed several of their positions, forcing them to retreat,” Sharif said. He reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to defending its borders but warned that such incidents could seriously undermine regional stability.
The confrontation follows a series of escalating accusations between the two sides. Earlier in the week, Afghan officials accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes on the capital Kabul and a market in eastern Afghanistan, an allegation Pakistan has not acknowledged. The Taliban Defense Ministry said its recent actions were retaliatory and successful operations undertaken to safeguard Afghanistan’s sovereignty. “If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, our armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation’s borders and deliver a strong response,” the ministry warned in a statement.
The ongoing clashes led to the closure of the Torkham border crossing, one of the two principal trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which did not open at its usual time of 8 a.m. on Sunday. The suspension has disrupted the flow of goods and fuel, heightening economic anxieties in both countries that rely on cross-border trade.
Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have been deteriorating over allegations that Afghanistan’s territory is being used by militants belonging to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned outfit responsible for multiple attacks inside Pakistan. While Islamabad insists that the Taliban have failed to curb the group’s activities, Kabul denies harboring the TTP, maintaining that Afghanistan does not allow its soil to be used against any country.
The international community has expressed concern over the growing hostilities. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, which has previously facilitated dialogue between the two nations, urged both sides to show restraint. “We are deeply concerned about the rising tensions and the potential repercussions for regional security and stability,” a spokesperson said. “Qatar calls upon both Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint.”