Pakistani, Afghan Troops Engage in Clashes Amid Rising Diplomatic Push
Fighting between Pakistani forces and Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities has entered a third consecutive day, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation.
On Friday, Pakistan carried out strikes targeting Taliban positions, including locations in Kabul and Kandahar, marking one of its most significant cross-border military actions in recent years. Islamabad says the operation was a response to cross-border militant attacks and accuses the Taliban of providing shelter to fighters from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation the Taliban denies.
Afghan officials have condemned the strikes as a violation of national sovereignty but indicated they are open to dialogue. However, they warned that continued aggression could lead to wider instability. The renewed clashes along the roughly 2,600-kilometre border have heightened concerns of a prolonged confrontation between the two sides.
Diplomatic contacts have increased amid the tension. Regional and global powers have urged restraint and called for de-escalation through dialogue to avoid further deterioration of security in the region.
Meanwhile, cross-border exchanges of fire have continued, with both sides reporting casualties. Officials from each country have claimed significant losses on the opposing side, though independent verification of the figures remains difficult.
Source: Reuters
