Afghanistan announced that its troops killed 58 Pakistani soldiers during overnight border clashes.
Officials accused Pakistan of repeated airspace and territorial violations that triggered the military response.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed Afghan forces captured 25 Pakistani army posts and wounded 30 soldiers.
He declared that Afghan troops now control all border zones and have curbed illegal cross-border activities.
Pakistan Faces Growing Conflict Along Border
Earlier this week, Afghan officials accused Pakistan of bombing Kabul and an eastern marketplace, claims Islamabad has not confirmed.
Pakistan has previously targeted alleged militant hideouts inside Afghanistan but typically in isolated mountain areas.
The Afghan Defence Ministry said its forces carried out “retaliatory and successful operations” in response to Pakistani strikes.
Officials warned that any future violation of Afghan territory would bring a “strong defensive response.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed his army destroyed several Afghan positions and forced their retreat.
Pakistani officials also released videos showing demolished Afghan checkpoints, though independent verification remains impossible.
Regional Tensions Threaten Wider Stability
Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan militants responsible for deadly attacks inside Pakistan.
Afghan officials deny the claim, insisting they do not allow their land to be used against other nations.
Pakistan continues to battle rising militancy in its border regions and blames India for supporting armed groups.
The latest clashes risk intensifying instability in South Asia, especially after earlier tensions over Kashmir.
Pakistan’s military said it neutralised over 200 “Taliban and affiliated fighters,” with many more reportedly wounded.
Security sources said Afghan forces initiated gunfire across several border zones in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
