Taliban claims seizure of 25 Pakistani border posts, 58 soldiers killed

Heavy fighting erupted between Pakistani and Afghan forces along the border overnight Saturday, with the Taliban claiming to have seized 25 Pakistani border posts and killed 58 soldiers in retaliation for alleged Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory.

The clashes, which raged for hours in the Kunar and Kurram regions, left nine Afghan soldiers dead and 16 wounded, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.

In a statement, Mujahid said Afghan forces drove Pakistani troops from the posts using gunfire and artillery, capturing a "significant amount" of weapons. He warned of a "harsh response" if Pakistan violates Afghan sovereignty again.

Tolo News reported ongoing tension, with the Afghan Ministry of Defence deploying tanks and heavy weapons in several Kunar districts bordering Pakistan.

The skirmishes followed Pakistan's airstrikes on Thursday in Kabul and Paktika, which the Taliban blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan has not confirmed the strikes but accused Kabul of harbouring Pakistani Taliban (TTP) militants.

Pakistan's military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said forces responded "with full force" to unprovoked Afghan firing at over six locations, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha. He alleged Afghan forces used artillery, tanks, and drones, claiming to have shot down three explosive-laden quadcopters.

A Pakistani security official told AFP that Afghan troops fled, leaving behind dead and wounded comrades.

The border, stretching 2,600 km, has seen escalating tensions since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering TTP fighters responsible for attacks killing hundreds of Pakistani soldiers since 2021. The Taliban denies this.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged restraint from both sides.

The clashes come amid Pakistan's intensified operations against TTP hideouts, following a surge in attacks, including one that killed 11 soldiers last week. Islamabad claims Afghan soil is used for cross-border raids, a charge Kabul rejects.