• Source:JND
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Inense fighting broke out along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border late Friday after Taliban forces launched retaliatory attacks on Pakistani military positions, following an alleged Pakistani airstrike in Kabul earlier this week. The confrontation marks one of the most serious escalations between the two sides since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

According to TOLOnews, Taliban forces claimed to have seized two Pakistani border posts in Helmand province after launching heavy assaults across multiple areas, including Shakij, Bibi Jani, and Salehan in Bahramcha district, and AryubZazi in Paktia province. Fifteen Pakistani soldiers were killed in Helmand province, according to Mawlawi Mohammad Qasim Riaz, Helmand provincial government spokesperson.

A spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence, Enayatullah Khowarazmi, said Taliban troops conducted “retaliatory operations” in response to Pakistan’s alleged violations of Afghan airspace. “If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan's airspace, our armed forces are prepared to defend their territory and will deliver a strong response,” Khowarazmi warned, adding that the fighting had ended by midnight local time.

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Pakistan Vows ‘Full Force’ Response

Pakistani security officials confirmed that clashes took place at several points along the Durand Line, including in Kunar and Helmand provinces, but rejected Taliban claims of seizing outposts. Islamabad accused Afghan forces of initiating “unprovoked firing”, insisting that Pakistani troops were responding “with full force” to defend their positions.

Security sources cited by Reuters said Pakistani forces used artillery and air support to repel the assaults, though officials declined to comment on casualty figures. The Pakistani military has yet to issue an official statement, but described the Taliban’s actions as a “serious provocation”.

The latest flare-up follows a week of tension after explosions in Kabul and southeastern Afghanistan, which the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan. While Islamabad has not claimed responsibility, it has repeatedly accused the Taliban of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who have carried out deadly attacks inside Pakistan.

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As tensions rise, Qatar, a key regional mediator, expressed concern over the border violence, urging both nations to “exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue.” The Qatari foreign ministry emphasised that escalation would only endanger regional stability and undermine counterterrorism efforts