Taliban’s Bold Response: Confirmed Border Attacks on Pakistan Spark Concerns and Tensions

The Taliban has confirmed that it launched attacks on Pakistani troops in various mountainous areas along the northern border. This comes after they accused Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace and bombing a market inside Afghanistan, claiming these actions prompted their “retaliatory operations.” Casualties remain unclear as both sides reported heavy gunfire in the Kunar-Kurram region.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed strong condemnation of the attacks, labeling them “unprovoked”. He warned that Pakistani forces would respond forcefully, saying, “We will respond with a stone for every brick.” Pakistan has been vocal about its belief that the Afghan government supports terrorists targeting its territory, a claim that the Taliban denies.

The situation escalated quickly. A police official near the Zero Point in the Kurram district reported intense gunfire starting at around 10 PM local time. Heavy weaponry was used from the Afghan side, and the Pakistani military is preparing to take measures to protect its citizens.

Just last week, the Taliban accused Pakistan of attacking civilian areas, claiming moments of loud explosions in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Reports indicate significant destruction to local markets. Pakistani military leaders maintain that the Afghan Taliban allows groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from its territory, leading to ongoing conflicts.

Interestingly, this surge in tension coincides with a notable diplomatic effort. Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India, which marked his first trip since the Taliban regained power. During this period, India announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, closed for four years.

Regional players have started responding as well. Saudi Arabia, having recently signed a defense agreement with Pakistan, urged both nations to exercise restraint. Meanwhile, Qatar has called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the tensions.

As this situation unfolds, social media reactions show a mix of concern and outrage on both sides. While many Pakistanis express solidarity against perceived aggression, some Afghans worry about the implications of ongoing military confrontations.

Overall, the escalating conflict raises important questions about regional stability and the deeply rooted tensions between the two nations.



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