Taliban confirms 'retaliatory' strikes against Pakistan amid escalating border tensions
The Taliban Defence Ministry said the operations followed what it called a violation of Afghanistan’s “sovereign territory” after Pakistani aircraft reportedly bombed a civilian market in Paktika province on Thursda
The Afghan Taliban on Saturday confirmed conducting "retaliatory operations" against Pakistani forces along multiple mountainous stretches of the northern border, in what they described as a response to alleged airstrikes by Pakistan inside Afghan territory.
The Taliban Defence Ministry said the operations followed what it called a violation of Afghanistan's "sovereign territory" after Pakistani aircraft reportedly bombed a civilian market in Paktika province on Thursday. Local accounts confirmed that several shops were destroyed in the attack.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, however, described the Taliban's cross-border attacks as "unprovoked" and said Islamabad "strongly condemns" the firing. He accused Afghan forces of targeting civilian populations, calling the incident "a blatant violation of international laws."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Afghanistan is playing a game of fire and blood," Naqvi said in remarks to reporters, warning that Pakistani forces would respond "with a stone for every brick." He added, "Afghanistan will also be given a befitting reply like India, so that it will not dare to look at Pakistan with a malicious eye."
A senior Pakistani general alleged that Afghanistan is being used as a "base of operation for terrorism against Pakistan," reiterating Islamabad's longstanding claim that the Afghan Taliban allow the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) to operate from Afghan soil. Kabul has repeatedly rejected the accusation.
Border security officials said both sides exchanged small arms and artillery fire across several points in the Kunar-Kurram region, including Kurram, Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Dir, Chitral and Baramcha. A police official in Pakistan said heavy weapons fire from the Afghan side began around 22:00 local time. Casualty figures remain unclear.
The violence comes as Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visits India for a week-long trip during which New Delhi announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul after four years.
Saudi Arabia, which recently signed a mutual defence pact with Pakistan, urged restraint, while Qatar "urges both sides to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint" to prevent further escalation.
