ISLAMABAD — The situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has escalated into a significant military confrontation. Over the weekend, Pakistan’s military, aided by artillery and air power, targeted various military installations deep within Afghanistan, declaring the current conflict as an “open war” following intensified clashes that erupted on Thursday.
Pakistan claims that over 300 Afghan forces have died since the onset of this conflict, a figure that Afghanistan has categorically rejected as false. The exact death toll remains unverified due to the chaotic nature of the ongoing fighting. The surge in violence reportedly stems from Pakistani airstrikes conducted in Afghanistan last Sunday, which Pakistan stated were aimed at the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group that maintains close ties with the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan. Conversely, Afghanistan has refuted these claims, asserting that only civilians were harmed in the airstrike.
Pakistani officials have reported significant military gains, asserting that they have destroyed 102 Afghan military posts, captured 22, and incapacitated numerous tanks and armored vehicles. The information minister of Pakistan, Attaullah Tarar, stated that the number of Afghan combat casualties had reached 331, with over 500 others injured due to ongoing military strikes. However, the Afghan government insists that these claims are exaggerated, insisting that their own losses during the fighting are significantly lower.
The situation has sparked grave humanitarian concerns, with the United Nations highlighting reports of bombing in major Afghan cities and urging caution for civilians already suffering under Taliban rule. Many residents near the Torkham border crossing have fled due to the escalation, and reports indicate that dozens of Afghan refugees have been deported back to Afghanistan.
Amid the chaos, Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry announced that its forces executed attacks on Pakistani military bases in response to their airstrikes, claiming to have caused considerable damage. The Afghan spokesman pointed out that the retaliation is a demonstration of Afghanistan’s capabilities to respond robustly to perceived threats.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been mounting for months, fueled by accusations from Pakistan regarding Afghanistan’s alleged harboring of the TTP. As diplomatic efforts for peace continue, with mediation offers from countries including Turkey and Qatar, both nations face the urgent need for a resolution to avoid further civilian suffering and military casualties. The effort to de-escalate the conflict highlights a global recognition of the need to stabilize the region amid rising tensions.