Pakistani security forces have engaged in combat with Afghan Taliban units across several sectors of the border. Both sides exchanged mutual accusations of aggression and claimed to have inflicted significant casualties on one another.
As reported by Hvylya, citing Reuters.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced the launch of "large-scale offensive operations" against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line. According to Mujahid, the move was a response to "repeated provocations" and airstrikes conducted by Pakistan last week.
"In response to repeated provocations and violations by Pakistani military circles, large-scale offensive operations have been launched against Pakistani military positions and installations," Mujahid wrote on social media platform X.
The Taliban representative claimed that Afghan forces had killed "numerous soldiers" and taken others prisoner. He also stated that 15 enemy checkpoints had been captured.
In turn, Pakistan's Ministry of Information reported that its troops responded to "unprovoked fire" from the Taliban in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
"Taliban regime forces are being punished in the Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur sectors. Early reports confirm heavy casualties on the Afghan side, with numerous posts and equipment destroyed," the ministry said in a statement.
The escalation follows Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory on Sunday, during which Islamabad claimed to have eliminated at least 70 militants. The Afghan side denied these figures, asserting that the victims were civilians, including women and children.
Relations between the neighbors have deteriorated sharply in recent months. Land border crossings remain largely closed following deadly clashes in October that claimed the lives of over 70 people on both sides.
Islamabad accuses Kabul of failing to act against armed groups launching attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government rejects these accusations.