Taliban confirms attacks on Pakistani troops
New Delhi, Oct 12: The Taliban government has confirmed that its forces attacked Pakistani troops in multiple mountainous locations along the northern border, the BBC reported. The group described the assaults as “retaliatory operations” after accusing Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace earlier and bombing a civilian market inside Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Taliban’s actions as “unprovoked,” alleging that Afghan forces had targeted civilians. He warned that Pakistani forces would respond “with a stone for every brick, “reports BBC.
According to the BBC, both sides used small arms and artillery in the Kunar-Kurram region. BBC said quoting sources that exchanges of fire occurred in several border areas, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha.
Pakistan Minister Naqvi posted on X that he “strongly condemns” the Taliban’s actions, calling the attacks on civilians “a blatant violation of international law.” He added that “Afghanistan is playing a game of fire and blood.” Pakistan’s military has yet to issue an official statement, though a spokesperson said necessary steps would be taken to safeguard Pakistani citizens and property, reports BBC.
The clashes follow Taliban accusations last week that Pakistan bombed a market in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, killing civilians and destroying several shops. Kabul called the airstrike a breach of its sovereignty. Pakistani officials, however, claim Afghanistan has become a “base of operations for terrorism” against Pakistan, a charge the Taliban deny.
The border flare-up comes as Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India for the first time since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. During his visit, India announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, four years after it was closed when the Taliban seized power.
Afghanistan’s foreign minister, Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi, also visited the Darul Uloom Deoband Islamic seminary in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district on Saturday, carrying deep symbolic importance, reflecting the Taliban government’s bid to strengthen religious, educational, and diplomatic engagement with India.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia called on both sides to show “self-restraint and avoid escalation.” Qatar also urged Islamabad and Kabul to prioritise “dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint” amid rising tensions.
