 "Representational Image")
The Taliban have launched a coordinated assault targeting Pakistan’s Frontier Corps positions and infrastructure along the Durand Line, in what sources describe as a deliberate signal to Islamabad.
Footage obtained by CNN-News18 from the Dangam and Birkot sectors shows intense artillery barrages striking Pakistani positions, alongside heavy shelling and drone-assisted attacks across Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, an escalation of violence not seen since 2021.
“In retaliation for the air strikes by Pakistani forces”, Taliban border forces in the east “engaged in heavy clashes against Pakistani forces’ posts in various border areas”, the Afghan military said in a statement.
CNN-News18 cited top Taliban officials as saying that the Afghan group carried out simultaneous retaliatory operations from Helmand, Paktia, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Khost provinces, focusing on Pakistani check posts in Kurram, Bajaur and North Waziristan.
Early reports indicate significant cross-border fire around Guwi Sar, Spina Shaga, and Poline, with Taliban forces deploying artillery, mortars and light drones for precision strikes.
The surge in attacks coincided with overnight explosions in Kabul, which occurred as the Taliban’s foreign minister held high-level discussions in New Delhi with senior Indian officials on Friday.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesperson, confirmed the Kabul blasts near midnight but provided no further information, stating that the incidents are under investigation.