Over a Dozen Civilians Killed as Clashes Erupt Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Fighting Breaks Out Along Disputed Border, Sparking International Concern Over Regional Tensions.
ISLAMABAD: The fragile peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been disrupted following fresh clashes that erupted on Wednesday, resulting in the death of over a dozen civilians, according to the Taliban.
This escalation comes after weekend clashes that claimed dozens of lives, marking one of the worst conflicts since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.The tensions stem from Pakistan's demand for the Afghan Taliban administration to act against militants who have intensified their attacks within Pakistani borders.
Islamabad accuses these groups of operating out of sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
The Taliban denies the presence of such militants on its territory.In response, early Wednesday morning, Pakistani forces launched an attack across the border, leading to casualties among civilians and injuries sustained by over 100 individuals, as per the Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid's report on X.
In retaliation, the Taliban claimed to have inflicted significant casualties upon Pakistani soldiers, capturing posts, centers, weapons, tanks, and destroying military facilities.Pakistani officials attribute the responsibility for the clashes to the Taliban, reporting four civilian injuries on their side of the border.
The fighting persisted for approximately five hours, with Pakistani forces successfully repelling the attack according to regional administrator Habib Ullah Bangulzai from Chaman district.Despite periodic skirmishes along the 2,600km disputed frontier, last week's conflict marked a significant escalation that prompted international concern.
This includes calls for restraint and protection of citizens and investments by major global players such as China, Russia, and the United States.
The tensions have also been exacerbated by Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit to India, which has traditionally been at odds with Pakistan.The economic implications of this conflict are significant, particularly given that Pakistan serves as a vital trade and supply route for landlocked Afghanistan.
To mitigate further deterioration, several border crossings have been closed, resulting in stranded goods vehicles on both sides.
This escalation comes after weekend clashes that claimed dozens of lives, marking one of the worst conflicts since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.The tensions stem from Pakistan's demand for the Afghan Taliban administration to act against militants who have intensified their attacks within Pakistani borders.
Islamabad accuses these groups of operating out of sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
The Taliban denies the presence of such militants on its territory.In response, early Wednesday morning, Pakistani forces launched an attack across the border, leading to casualties among civilians and injuries sustained by over 100 individuals, as per the Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid's report on X.
In retaliation, the Taliban claimed to have inflicted significant casualties upon Pakistani soldiers, capturing posts, centers, weapons, tanks, and destroying military facilities.Pakistani officials attribute the responsibility for the clashes to the Taliban, reporting four civilian injuries on their side of the border.
The fighting persisted for approximately five hours, with Pakistani forces successfully repelling the attack according to regional administrator Habib Ullah Bangulzai from Chaman district.Despite periodic skirmishes along the 2,600km disputed frontier, last week's conflict marked a significant escalation that prompted international concern.
This includes calls for restraint and protection of citizens and investments by major global players such as China, Russia, and the United States.
The tensions have also been exacerbated by Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit to India, which has traditionally been at odds with Pakistan.The economic implications of this conflict are significant, particularly given that Pakistan serves as a vital trade and supply route for landlocked Afghanistan.
To mitigate further deterioration, several border crossings have been closed, resulting in stranded goods vehicles on both sides.