admin 
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes have turned deadly, leaving dozens of soldiers dead on both sides.
The violence marks one of the worst escalations between the two nations in recent years.
Tensions have been rising over militant sanctuaries, sovereignty disputes, and territorial control.
Officials confirmed at least 23 Pakistani soldiers and 9 Afghan troops died in heavy cross-border fire on October 11–12.
The Taliban claimed it killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and captured 25 posts.
However, Islamabad has not confirmed these numbers.
Pakistani military sources said they killed over 200 Taliban fighters during retaliatory strikes.
Independent verification of these claims remains unavailable.
Where and when did the clashes happen?
The fighting erupted late on Saturday, October 11, along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Reports of gunfire came from Chitral, Bajaur, Mohmand, Angoor Adda, and Kurram in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Skirmishes also spread to Baramcha and Bahram Chah in Balochistan.
Pakistan responded with artillery fire near Tirah and across Nangarhar province in Afghanistan.
According to TOLO News, the Taliban Defence Ministry moved tanks and heavy weapons into Kunar province.
This raised fears of a wider military confrontation.
Both the Torkham and Chaman crossings closed on Sunday, halting trade and travel.
What triggered the Taliban’s retaliation?
Afghan officials said the assault followed Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan.
The Taliban government accused Pakistan of bombing Abdul Haq Square in Kabul and a civilian market in Paktika province, calling the strikes “heinous and unprecedented.”
A Pakistani security official told Reuters that the airstrikes targeted TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, though his fate remains unknown.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid called the bombings an “airspace violation” and vowed retaliation:
“The Islamic Emirate and the people of Afghanistan will defend their land.”
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, currently visiting India, warned that Afghanistan has other options if Pakistan refuses peace.
Who is the TTP and why is it central to the conflict?
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or Pakistan Taliban, is a banned militant group formed in 2007.
It aims to overthrow Pakistan’s government and enforce a strict version of Islamic law.
The group was behind major terror attacks, including the 2014 Peshawar school massacre.
Since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power in Afghanistan, the TTP has regained strength.
Pakistan accuses Kabul of sheltering the group, while the Taliban denies this.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes reflect Islamabad’s growing frustration with Kabul’s refusal to act against the TTP.
About The Author
