Intense overnight clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan saw dozens of fighters killed on both sides’s fronts. This latest outbreak of violence is the deadliest since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan last year. Tension reached a peak after Pakistan called on the Taliban to address a wave of deadly militant assaults emerging from Afghan soil. In reply, protesters sparked physical confrontations. Pakistani military officials confirmed heavy casualties on both sides, as sporadic gunfire continued to be heard in the area by Pakistani media.
The border skirmishes reportedly started late Saturday, when Afghan forces fired on Pakistani border checkpoints stationed well inside Pakistan. In turn, the Pakistan military responded with gun and artillery fire, leading to large-scale losses. According to Pakistani estimates, 23 Pakistani soldiers were killed in those clashes. On the other side, Pakistan claims to have killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban and fellow-tribesmen insurgents. The Pakistani military in turn downplayed toll claims, calling the Taliban administration’s figure of 62 Pakistani soldiers killed “propaganda.”
Response from the Taliban Administration
Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban administration’s spokesman, claimed that no threat existed from inside Afghanistan’s borders. To this end, he said, the Islamic Emirate is committed to repelling any invasion of its territory.
“There is no kind of threat in any part of Afghanistan’s territory.” – Zabihullah Mujahid
Mujahid remarked, “The Islamic Emirate and the people of Afghanistan will defend their land and remain resolute and committed in this defence.”
Pakistani security officials distributed video surveillance that reportedly depicts Afghan outposts under attack. At the time, in response, Afghan authorities claimed they had suspended their military activities at the urging of both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence announced that their military campaign had ended at midnight local time.
Border Closures and Ongoing Tensions
In response to the rapidly worsening conflict, Pakistani authorities then declared they would shut all crossings. This curtailment applies to the whole 2,600-km (1,600-mile) long Afghan frontier. By Sunday, local authorities had closed the two major border crossings at Torkham and Chaman. They further immediately closed at least three minor crossings to deter additional incursions.
The fighting, according to reports, seems to have subsided by Sunday morning. Local officials and residents warned that sporadic gunfire continued to ring out in Pakistan’s Kurram territory. Yet these developments emphasize just how tenuous the “thaw” in relations between the two countries is. They are dealing with revolutionary levels of violence and other immediate security challenges.
That picture is still changing day by day, as border communities watch closely and with great concern what happens on the border. We are witnessing the danger that both governments’ actions are fueling rising tensions. Foreign observers are urging calm amid the threat of escalation that hangs heavily in the air.
