Islamabad: Violent clashes erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border between Afghan Taliban forces and the Pakistani Army, resulting in the deaths of 23 Pakistani soldiers and 200 Afghans. The Pakistani military announced these casualties after intense confrontations in the border region.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan's military media wing, reported that Afghan Taliban and "Indian-sponsored" militants launched an attack on Pakistan along the border. The assault involved gunfire and several physical raids. In response, the Pakistani Army retaliated, causing significant casualties among Taliban forces and their affiliates.
The military further noted that multiple Taliban locations along the border were destroyed, including several training camps that were rendered inoperative. The ISPR detailed that during overnight skirmishes, 23 Pakistani soldiers were killed, with 29 others injured. More than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants were killed, and there was substantial infrastructural damage to Taliban training camps, headquarters, and support networks.
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, reaffirmed the country's commitment to safeguarding its national interests, regional sovereignty, and security. In a statement, he urged the Interim Afghan government to take concrete and verifiable action against anti-Pakistan terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.
Earlier reports from Pakistan's state media indicated that Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire at the Pak-Afghan border at locations including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baram Chah. The clashes between the two neighboring countries occurred at a time when Afghan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is on a visit to India.