Taliban Retaliates: 15 Pakistani Soldiers Killed, Border Posts Captured

Fierce clashes erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 Pakistani soldiers on Saturday night. According to Afghan officials, the Taliban forces also captured three Pakistani border posts and seized significant amounts of weapons and ammunition. This violent confrontation represents a major escalation of cross-border tensions, occurring just days after disputed airstrikes in Kabul. Pakistani security officials stated that Taliban forces initiated the engagement by firing on several border posts, prompting a forceful response from Pakistani troops. However, Taliban authorities claimed the attack was a direct response to Pakistani airstrikes within Afghan territory. The border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were heavily affected, with key locations like Angoor Adda and Baramcha witnessing intense fighting. Pakistani officials reported significant damage to Afghan positions and militant strongholds in their retaliatory operations, referring to the militants as ‘Khwarij,’ their designation for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Conversely, Afghan border forces described the clashes as retaliation for Pakistani aerial attacks, with reports indicating the capture of Pakistani posts in Helmand province. Pakistan has deployed extensive military hardware, including artillery and tanks, in response to the attacks, signaling a serious military engagement.