• Source:JND
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A fragile 48-hour ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan has temporarily halted hostilities, but tensions remain high following Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory that killed at least 15 civilians. The strikes, aimed at Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts, reportedly struck residential areas in Kabul and Kandahar, injuring more than 100 people. In retaliation, Taliban forces captured Pakistani border outposts, seizing tanks, weapons, and uniforms, and publicly displayed the trousers of fleeing soldiers in a symbolic gesture of defiance. 

Following the airstrikes, Taliban fighters launched counterattacks along the Durand Line, capturing several Pakistani outposts. They seized tanks, rifles, and uniforms abandoned by Pakistani troops. BBC journalist Daud Junbish shared images of the trousers and weapons displayed in Nangrahar province, highlighting the symbolic humiliation of Pakistan’s forces. “Empty trousers, recovered from abandoned military posts of the Pakistani army near the Durand Line, are displayed in eastern Nangrahar province, Afghanistan,” Junbish wrote on social media.

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Local Support And Calls To Join Mujahideen

The Taliban’s actions have received local backing. “If needed, we will also join the Mujahideen and the army of the Islamic Emirate on the battlefield,” Mohibullah, a resident of Kandahar told TOLOnews. Paktia resident Baitullah added, “The Islamic Emirate gave them a proper response. All the people are standing with them against Pakistan.”

The clashes began last week after Pakistan targeted TTP camps inside Afghanistan, coinciding with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India. Afghan officials accused Pakistan of repeatedly violating Afghan airspace and escalating tensions along the border. The conflict is deeply rooted in disputes over the Durand Line, the colonial-era boundary separating Afghanistan and Pakistan, long rejected by Pashtun communities on both sides.

Casualties And Escalating Violence

Pakistan claims it killed “dozens of Afghan security personnel and militants” during overnight operations, destroying tanks and border posts while repelling “unprovoked” attacks. The Taliban, however, assert that civilians were the main victims, with over a dozen killed and more than 100 injured in southern Kandahar. The latest clashes mark one of the deadliest episodes between the two neighbors in recent years.

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The 48-hour ceasefire, reportedly requested by Pakistan, aims to ease hostilities and allow for diplomatic engagement. Kabul has yet to officially comment on Islamabad’s claim. 

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