Tensions rise as Afghanistan and Pakistan exchange cross-border strikes
Islamabad :
In a new development across Pakistan and Afghanistan border, reports of fresh tensions have erupted following a series of military actions by both sides. The situation escalated after Pakistan carried out air operations in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, claiming that the strikes targeted militant groups and resulted in significant casualties.
Soon after, Afghan authorities responded with counter-strikes late Thursday night, leading to intense clashes in border areas. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Afghan forces had taken control of multiple Pakistani military posts during the retaliation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan maintained that its operations were based on intelligence inputs and were aimed at dismantling camps linked to banned militant outfits operating near the border. The targeted groups reportedly included factions associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad refers to as Fitna-al-Khawarij, as well as fighters linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Unconfirmed reports suggest that several soldiers were injured or killed during the exchange, though official casualty figures remain unclear.
The latest developments mark a sharp spike in hostilities between the two neighbours, raising concerns about further instability in the already volatile border region.
