Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified dramatically after new clashes erupted along their border on Tuesday night, resulting in over 50 fatalities, including both soldiers and civilians from both nations. The Pakistani military confirmed that it conducted retaliatory airstrikes within Afghanistan’s Kandahar province after what it termed ‘unprovoked firing’ by Afghan Taliban forces and local militants. Reports indicated that the Pakistani army successfully repelled simultaneous assaults on significant border outposts, reportedly killing approximately 20 Taliban fighters near Spin Boldak. Additional clashes along the northwest border overnight resulted in around 30 more Taliban casualties. However, Afghan officials asserted that the bombardment led to the deaths of 15 civilians, including women and children, with many others injured.
Fighting also occurred in Pakistan’s border district of Orakzai, where six paramilitary personnel lost their lives. In retaliation, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Islamabad of deploying heavy weaponry against Afghan positions. This resurgence of hostilities follows a series of strikes exchanged between the two nations earlier, where Afghanistan targeted Pakistani soldiers in retaliation for an alleged air raid on Kabul. Pakistan claimed to have ‘responded with full force,’ resulting in the deaths of several Taliban members, including a senior Pakistani Taliban commander. Although efforts from Qatar and Saudi Arabia had momentarily eased tensions, the fragile peace has seemingly disintegrated amidst this latest escalation.