Afghanistan’s Taliban forces launched fierce attacks against Pakistani soldiers along the shared border on Saturday. They accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes inside Afghan territory earlier in the week.
On Thursday, explosions rocked Kabul and southeastern Afghanistan. The Taliban’s defense ministry later blamed Pakistan for violating Afghan sovereignty. In response, Taliban troops opened fire along several border areas, including Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost, and Helmand.
A senior Pakistani official confirmed that Taliban fighters used light and heavy artillery at four border points. Pakistani forces retaliated with strong gunfire and shot down three Afghan drones suspected of carrying explosives.
Taliban spokesman Enayat Khowarazm said their operations ended at midnight but warned that Afghanistan would defend its land if attacked again.
Pakistan has not admitted to conducting airstrikes but urged the Taliban to stop sheltering the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which shares ideological ties with Afghanistan’s rulers. The TTP has killed hundreds of Pakistani soldiers since 2021 and continues to attack border regions.
Iran urged both sides to show restraint as tensions escalated. Pakistan’s defense minister warned that his country would strike back against any group or hideout aiding the militants.
