
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated after Pakistan reportedly carried out air strikes in Kabul on Thursday. It followed clashes between the two sides.
Afghanistan said Sunday it killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations. However, Pakistan’s army gave far lower casualty figures, saying 23 troops were killed.
Besides, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that Afghan forces have captured 25 Pakistani army posts, leaving 30 Pakistani soldiers wounded.
Key border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan were closed on Sunday, October 12, after fierce clashes erupted overnight following Taliban accusations that Islamabad had carried out air strikes this week, officials said.
Afghanistan accused Pakistan of repeated violations of its territory and airspace. Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities said Pakistan bombed the capital, Kabul, and a market in the country’s east. Pakistan did not claim responsibility for the assault.
According to reports, Pakistan has previously struck locations inside Afghanistan, targeting what it alleges are militant hideouts, but these have been in remote and mountainous areas.
The two sides have also skirmished along the border in the past. Saturday night's heavy clashes underscore the deepening tensions.
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Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, have reacted to the ongoing clashes between the forces of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Tolo News reported.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement: "The Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran places great importance on maintaining peace and stability in its surrounding environment and is prepared to offer any assistance to reduce tensions between the two neighboring and Muslim countries."
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges both sides to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint, and to work toward containing differences in a manner that helps reduce tension and avoid escalation, in order to achieve regional security and stability," as quoted by Tolo News.
Hours after Afghanistan claimed killing 58 Pakistani soldiers in a retaliatory operation, the Taliban-ruled nation's foreign minister on Sunday said Kabul wants a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict with Islamabad but if the peace efforts don't succeed, then it has "other means".
When asked about the border fighting with Pakistan, Muttaqi says Kabul “achieved our military objectives last night”.
“Our friends, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have expressed that this conflict should come to an end, so we have paused it from our side for the time being,” he said at a news conference in New Delhi, ANI news agency reported.
On Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict, Iran called for “mutual respect for sovereignty, restraint, and immediate dialogue to prevent escalation,” Wion reported.
What's happening between Pakistan and Afghanistan? What led to the border clashes? What is the Durand Line, a sticking point between Afghanistan and Pakistan? How many soldiers and civilians have been killed? Here's what we know so far. Tap here for an explainer
A Pakistani security official said a vehicle used by the leader of the TTP, Noor Wali Mehsud, was targeted in the Kabul airstrike. It was unclear if he survived.
Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s foreign minister, says he expects the “Taliban government to take concrete measures against terrorist elements and their perpetrators that wish to derail Pak-Afghan relations”.
Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said, “Afghanistan will safeguard its borders and its national interest, and that is why it immediately retaliated to the escalation from Pakistan.”
An Afghan official slammed Pakistan's "dictatorial practices" and said that Pakistan's leadership is trying to foment 'unrest'. The comments came after strikes at the Durand line in response to Pakistani strikes.
The Taliban government’s Defense Ministry said early Sunday morning its forces had conducted “retaliatory and successful operations” along the border with Pakistan.
On the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said, "If Pakistan doesnt want good relations and peace, then Afghanistan has other options as well."
Afghanistan said on Sunday, Octiber 12, it killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations. Pakistan’s army, however, gave far lower casualty figures, saying 23 troops were killed, the Associated Press reported.