Kabul, Oct 12: The Armed Forces of Afghanistan carried out retaliatory strikes against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line on Saturday night, following repeated airspace violations and cross-border airstrikes, the Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
Border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan militaries intensify following an air strike on Kabul earlier this week. The Taliban on Sunday said it had captured three Pakistani border posts during its retaliatory attacks at seven points along the border.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said, “Tonight, our armed forces conducted a successful retaliatory operation against the centres of Pakistani forces along the Durand Line in response to the repeated violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty by the Pakistani military and airstrikes on Afghanistan’s territory. The operation concluded around midnight.”
The MoD warned that Afghan forces remain fully prepared to defend the country’s borders. “If the Pakistani side violates Afghanistan’s sovereignty again, our armed forces are prepared to defend the country’s borders and will respond decisively,” the statement added.
Earlier, the ministry had condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika provinces, describing them as “an unprecedented and violent act” in the history of both countries. Officials cautioned that any further escalation could carry serious consequences for the Pakistani military.
The retaliatory strikes come amid heightened tensions along the Durand Line, reflecting ongoing disputes over sovereignty and cross-border security issues between the two neighbours.
Pakistani state media reported on Sunday that its forces captured 19 Afghan border posts, with security sources claiming that Taliban fighters stationed there were either killed or had fled. Pakistan Television (PTV) aired footage showing Afghan posts on fire and Taliban soldiers allegedly surrendering in Kurram.
The overnight clashes represent a sharp escalation in tensions between the two South Asian neighbours, drawing calls for restraint from Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
According to Radio Pakistan, citing security sources, Pakistani forces demolished several Taliban positions, including the Manojba camp battalion headquarters, Jandusar Post, Turkmenzai camp, and Kharchar Fort. The state broadcaster added that operations were being conducted with “great precision” against armed group hideouts near the border.
