By: The Trek News Desk
Afghanistan has claimed to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and wounded 30 others in intense border clashes, which came shortly after a deadly airstrike in Kabul that the Taliban blames on Pakistan.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban government in Afghanistan, told TOLO News Agency on Sunday that Afghan forces launched successful attacks on several Pakistani military positions along the border. He also claimed that a significant number of Pakistani weapons were seized during these operations. The Taliban reported that more than 20 of their own soldiers were either killed or injured in the attacks.
No Official Response from Pakistan:
Pakistan has not yet commented on the Taliban’s claim of inflicting heavy casualties. However, Pakistan’s state-run broadcaster PTV reported on Sunday that its military had seized 19 Afghan border posts. The report indicated that Afghan Taliban fighters at these posts were either killed or had fled.
Pakistan’s Retaliatory Action:
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Afghan attacks, calling them “unprovoked” and accusing Afghan forces of targeting civilian populations along the border. “Firing on civilians by Afghan forces is a blatant violation of international law. Pakistan’s brave forces have responded promptly and effectively, making it clear that no provocation will be tolerated,” Naqvi said in a statement on social media.
Rising Tensions Between the Taliban and Pakistan:
This escalation in fighting follows a recent airstrike in Kabul, which the Taliban has blamed on Pakistan. While Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack, Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering Pakistani Taliban militants who conduct cross-border attacks on Pakistan, allegedly with the support of India. India has denied these accusations, while the Taliban insists it does not allow its territory to be used for attacks on other countries.
Regional Concerns Over Escalating Conflict:
The growing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have prompted concern from regional powers. Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have all urged both nations to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for “restraint from both sides, as regional stability is critically dependent on it.”
Qatar expressed deep concern over the potential impact of the clashes on the security and stability of the region. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both countries to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the situation, reduce tensions, and contribute to peace in the region.
Saudi Arabia also weighed in, calling for restraint and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing hope that both nations would work towards maintaining regional stability and avoiding further conflict.
Source: News Agencies
