Heavy fighting erupted along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on Saturday after mutual accusations of airspace violations and attacks. Officials from both sides have confirmed the escalation, with Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry claiming its forces launched retaliatory operations against Pakistani security positions along the Durand Line. Pakistani officials, including a provincial official, stated that their forces delivered a strong response to Afghan aggression, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Neither side has released information about casualties, and it remains challenging to verify the claims independently. The conflict follows recent tensions, including explosions in Kabul, which Afghan officials blamed on Pakistani air strikes. Islamabad has not confirmed any cross-border attacks. The escalation is attributed to border security and militant activity, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters, a claim the Taliban administration rejects.
The fighting occurs as Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, visits India for diplomatic talks aimed at strengthening regional cooperation. The visit is part of efforts to expand diplomatic and economic ties with New Delhi. The incident also comes amid broader geopolitical dynamics involving the region’s security and relations with global powers.