KABUL (Rajeev Sharma): The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan on Sunday claimed that its forces launched retaliatory strikes along the Pakistan border, resulting in the deaths of 58 Pakistani soldiers and the capture of several outposts.
Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the overnight operation was carried out in response to repeated cross-border incursions and airspace violations allegedly committed by Pakistani forces. “Our troops have taken control of 25 enemy posts. Fifty-eight Pakistani soldiers have been killed and around 30 others injured,” Mujahid announced in a statement.
The claim follows recent allegations by Kabul that Pakistan had carried out aerial attacks inside Afghan territory, including in Kabul city and parts of eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad has not confirmed any such operation.
The situation adds a new layer of strain to the already tense relations between the two neighboring countries, which share a long and often volatile border. The Afghan side has repeatedly accused Pakistan of interfering in its internal affairs, while Pakistan maintains that militant groups based in Afghanistan have been responsible for cross-border attacks on its soil.
As of now, Pakistani officials have not responded to the latest statement from Kabul. Regional analysts warn that the renewed hostilities could further escalate the fragile security environment in South Asia if diplomatic efforts are not urgently initiated.
