October 12, 2025

Hold on tight, because the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has turned into a fiery battlefield! Tensions exploded after Pakistan said it seized 19 Afghan military posts and “terrorist hideouts” in response to what it called “unprovoked” attacks by Afghan forces. Kabul fired back claiming 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and around 30 injured during tough retaliatory operations. The Taliban-led Afghanistan Defence Ministry boasted about “retaliatory and successful operations.” They warned, “If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan's territorial integrity, our armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation's borders and will deliver a strong response.” Afghan forces targeted Pakistani posts in places like Angoor Adda, Bajaur, and Baramcha. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Tolo News, “58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and around 30 others wounded during the operations Saturday night.” He added that 20 Pakistani security outposts were destroyed and many weapons seized. Sadly, nine Afghan soldiers also lost their lives with 16 wounded. The operation paused at midnight after Qatar and Saudi Arabia asked for calm. On the other side, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi slammed the Taliban’s attacks as “unprovoked” and accused Afghan forces of firing at civilians. He said, “Firing by Afghan forces on the civilian population is a blatant violation of international laws. Pakistan’s brave forces have given a prompt and effective response that no provocation will be tolerated.” Naqvi added Pakistan’s forces are alert, answering Afghanistan with “stones for bricks.” This heat-up comes after recent terrorist strikes by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allegedly hiding in Afghan soil, including a deadly attack last week in Orakzai district which killed 11 Pakistani military personnel. Last Thursday, explosions rocked Kabul, blamed on Pakistan by Afghan officials, though Pakistan did not confirm or deny involvement. Saturday night saw Afghan security forces launch attacks on Pakistani posts, followed by Pakistan striking back early Sunday. Though the Pakistan Army stayed quiet officially, security sources confirmed their forces targeted several Afghan posts causing “significant damage.” State media said Pakistani forces used artillery, tanks, heavy weapons, air power, and drones to hit Afghan military posts and militant hideouts. They stated: “Kharijites and Daesh hideouts inside Afghanistan, operating under the patronage of the interim Afghan government, are being effectively targeted.” The Pakistani government last year labelled TTP as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” referring to a violent historical group. Videos shared by state-run PTV News showed Afghan posts burning and soldiers surrendering to Pakistan forces in Kurram. Officials revealed Pakistan destroyed a Taliban tank position and critical Afghan battalion headquarters housing TTP militants, causing heavy losses. The fierce fighting also hit Durani Camp No. 2, a key launch spot for cross-border terror, reportedly killing over 50 Taliban and foreign fighters. Several military outposts in the Kharlachi and Baramcha sectors were smashed, including Doran Mela and Turkmanzai. Meanwhile, Pakistani posts in Balochistan’s Chagai district also came under heavy fire from Afghan forces. Pakistani troops stopped infiltration attempts near Pishin and Zhob districts. This bloody border drama unfolds as Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visits India, adding more heat to the already tense relations. The Durand Line remains a powder keg, with both neighbors locked in a dangerous dance of attacks and retaliation. Who will blink first in this fiery showdown?

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Tags: Pakistan-afghanistan border, Taliban, Military clashes, Ttp, Durand line, Border conflict,