Taliban Attacks Pakistan, Captures Two Border Posts, 19 Soldiers Dead

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are rapidly escalating, with a state of near-war emerging. Pakistan has been continuously carrying out airstrikes on Afghanistan, intensifying the already strained relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, Taliban fighters have launched an attack along the Afghan-Pakistan border, overwhelming the Pakistani army with their artillery and machine guns. In this attack, the Pakistani army was forced to abandon two of its border posts and retreat. The Taliban also claims that around 19 Pakistani soldiers were killed during the assault.

The Taliban's Ministry of Defense reported that the clash took place near the Durand Line, specifically in the Paktia and Khost regions. During the confrontation, the Taliban fighters not only attacked Pakistani border posts but also set them on fire. The attack was so intense that the Pakistani army had no option but to withdraw. According to the Taliban Ministry of Defense, at least 19 Pakistani soldiers were killed in these areas. In retaliation, Pakistan, displaying both anger and cowardice, launched mortar attacks on civilian areas close to the border, killing three civilians. Taliban local media reported that the Taliban forces attacked the Pakistani posts early on Saturday morning and successfully captured them. Reports indicate that firing is still ongoing from both sides. However, the Pakistani military has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Previously, in an airstrike by the Pakistani Air Force, 51 people, including women and children, were killed in Afghanistan. The Taliban issued a warning to Pakistan, stating that it would face serious consequences for this attack. In response, Pakistan claimed that its airstrikes targeted the hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who had crossed into Afghanistan to launch attacks. However, the Taliban viewed this as an infringement on their sovereignty and ordered retaliatory action.