In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Taliban government has confirmed carrying out ‘retaliatory’ attacks against Pakistani military positions along their shared mountainous border. The exchanges, reportedly involving small arms and artillery fire in the Kunar-Kurram region, occurred following claims by Kabul that Pakistan violated Afghan airspace and conducted airstrikes on a market in Paktika province.
Pakistani officials have strongly condemned the Taliban’s actions, labeling them “unprovoked” and warning of a firm response. The Pakistani Interior Minister stated that Afghan forces were “playing a game of fire and blood,” while the military assured that necessary measures would be taken to protect Pakistani citizens and property.
This border confrontation unfolds amidst broader geopolitical strains, with Pakistan frequently accusing Afghanistan of harboring militant groups, including the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), which target Pakistani soil. The Taliban government consistently denies these allegations.
The situation is further complicated by the timing, as the Afghan Taliban’s Foreign Minister is currently visiting India, signaling a potential shift in regional diplomatic alignments. Meanwhile, international bodies like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have urged both nations to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to de-escalate the situation.