Taliban claims to kill 12 Pakistani soldiers in midnight cross-border clashes as tensions escalate

Violent clashes persisted overnight at the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, reflecting the growing tensions between the two nations. The two sides exchanged fire after an attack by the Taliban on multiple Pakistani military posts. The escalation came hours after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul, which was reported by security officials from both nations.

Taliban forces said that they launched armed reprisals against Pakistani troops, alleging that Islamabad had conducted airstrikes on Afghan territory. They claimed to have seized two Pakistani border posts in the southern province of Helmand, which was confirmed by local authorities.

Meanwhile, Pakistani security officials acknowledged the clashes at several border locations, stating that they were responding forcefully. “Tonight, Taliban forces began firing at several border points. We retaliated with artillery at four locations along the border,” a Pakistani government official told The Guardian.

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“We will not tolerate any aggression from the Afghan Taliban within our territory. Pakistani forces responded with heavy fire, effectively targeting several Afghan border posts,” the official added. As per the report, the Pakistani army used artillery tanks and light and heavy weaponry during the clashes.

Taliban claims to kill 12 Pakistani soldiers

According to Afghan news outlet Tolo News, Taliban forces claimed to have killed at least 12 Pakistani soldiers during the clashes. As per the report, the fighting broke out in the Bahram Chah district of Helmand province, a volatile area near the frontier.

According to Tolo News, forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) (as the Taliban refers to its government) engaged Pakistani troops in a “heavy exchange of fire" overnight. Sources told the Afghan outlet that one Pakistani Mil Dehshika armoured tank was seized by Taliban fighters during the clashes.

Apart from this, five Pakistani soldiers reportedly surrendered to Taliban forces in the Maiwand district of neighbouring Kandahar province. The Afghanistan-based news outlet shared the news, citing the country’s Ministry of Defence. The operations were described as “successful" and concluded around midnight, the statement said.

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It further warned that any future violation of Afghanistan’s airspace would be met with a “strong response," noting that the armed forces were fully prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, a Pakistani security official told Reuters that they were responding “with full force". They alleged that the firing was “unprovoked" and that the exchange of fire took place at more than six locations along the border.

“If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan’s airspace, our armed forces are prepared to defend their airspace and will deliver a strong response," said Enayatullah Khowarazmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence. It is pertient to note that the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan stretches for 2,600 km (1,615 miles).