Taliban Claims Retaliation Against Pakistani Forces During Border Conflicts

Wed Dec 03 2025 07:22:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Afghan Taliban has asserted responsibility for deadly attacks on Pakistani troops, leading to heightened tensions and further military exchanges along the border. Both sides report significant casualties amid disputes over territorial violations.

The Taliban has reported attacking Pakistani military personnel in retaliation for alleged airspace violations and bombings. While Pakistan disputes the casualty figures, both countries are engaged in escalating conflicts along their shared border. The situation remains tense as diplomatic relations are strained, with calls for restraint from neighboring nations.

The Taliban government has confirmed that it attacked Pakistani troops in multiple mountainous locations on the northern border. A Taliban spokesman stated that 58 Pakistani military personnel had been killed in what it termed an act of retaliation against airspace violations and bombings inside Afghanistan.

Pakistan challenged the Taliban’s claims, reporting instead that 23 Pakistani soldiers had died while asserting that 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists have been neutralized.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan labelled the Afghan attacks as unprovoked and warned that his forces would respond with a stone for every brick.

Islamabad alleges Kabul is providing refuge for terrorists, a claim that the Taliban disputes. Both parties reportedly engaged in exchanges of small arms and artillery in the Kunar-Kurram region.

In addition to the reported Pakistani fatalities, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid mentioned that around 30 others were injured, while nine Taliban fighters also lost their lives in the conflict. Pakistan's military reported injuries among its forces and asserted that hundreds of Taliban fighters were affected.

The closure of the Torkham and Chaman border crossings due to the escalating tensions has stranded hundreds of trucks carrying goods on both sides.

Calls for restraint and dialogue have emerged from regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, highlighting the potential for further conflict if diplomatic solutions are not pursued.