New Delhi: The situation on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has once again deteriorated. The long-standing dispute between the two countries and Taliban activities have led to frequent clashes along the border.
The latest clashes resulted in the deaths of dozens of soldiers and civilians, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
Tensions escalate in the latest clash
Clashes broke out again on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Tuesday night, resulting in heavy casualties. According to a Reuters report, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province just hours later.
The Pakistani military claimed that Taliban fighters had attacked key border outposts, which were repulsed.
Pakistan claims 20 Taliban killed
The Pakistani military says it killed 20 Taliban fighters in retaliation. The attacks took place near the Spin Boldak area of Kandahar. Furthermore, the Pakistani military claims that 30 more people, including civilians, were killed in the overnight exchange of fire.
Afghanistan’s response: 15 civilians killed
Afghanistan claimed that 15 civilians were killed and several others injured in the clash. Afghan officials stated that Pakistan used heavy and light weapons, causing civilian casualties.
Accusations from both countries
Six Pakistani soldiers were killed in a clash between Pakistani paramilitary forces and militants in Pakistan’s Orakzai district.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid accused the Pakistani army of “infiltration” and said that Afghan forces killed several Pakistani soldiers and seized their weapons and tanks.
Retaliation and ceasefire
Pakistan claimed that they responded to the unprovoked firing and targeted several Taliban positions. A senior TTP commander was also killed in the clash. Currently, Pakistan has announced a 48-hour ceasefire to bring the situation under control.
A Series of Previous Events
Earlier, on October 7, Afghanistan claimed to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in response to alleged Pakistani attacks on Kabul. Pakistan, however, put the death toll at 23 and claimed to have killed over 200 Taliban fighters in retaliation.
Closure of Border Outposts
Due to the ongoing clashes, both countries closed border outposts on October 12. This situation has become a major threat to trade, civilian movement, and regional stability.
Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes erupt overnight; Several posts destroyed
The escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have seriously threatened the security of South Asia. A significant trust deficit has been observed between the two countries since the Taliban came to power.
Unless there is concrete diplomatic dialogue between the two sides, such conflicts may continue, with civilians being the worst affected.