Tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have escalated dramatically following fierce overnight skirmishes along the Durand Line. Heavy cross-border gunfire broke out in Balochistan’s Gulistan sector and Kandahar’s Spin Boldak region, with both sides reporting casualties and strategic post-realignments.
Casualty claims : Local sources reported that multiple combatants on both sides were killed during the intense exchanges, alongside the destruction of a border post.
Pakistani security forces intercepted an alleged incursion attempt by Taliban fighters in the Gulistan sector, triggering hours of continuous firing, according to state media reports. Post abandonments : Conversely, Afghan reports indicate that Pakistani forces abandoned several border outposts across Spin Boldak, Shorabak, and Registan districts following localised artillery duels. Airstrike claims : The flare-up follows retaliatory Pakistani airstrikes across multiple locations in Afghanistan, which Kabul claims resulted in civilian casualties.
Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid strongly condemned the cross-border strikes, confirming that four civilians were killed in the attacks. The response : Mujahid warned that Kabul would respond with a firm stance, cautioning that Islamabad would face severe consequences for military actions on Afghan soil. Mecca pact allegations : The Taliban spokesperson further alleged that Pakistan is manufacturing border conflicts as a pretext to deflect from its commitments under the newly formed Mecca Defense Agreement.
