Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated on Saturday late, after a fierce border conflict left 12 Pakistani troopers lifeless. It comes after a Pakistani airstrike focused Taliban officers in Afghanistan.
A serious border conflict between Afghan and Pakistani troopers has resulted within the deaths of 12 Pakistani troopers. In accordance with Tolo Information, the conflict occurred alongside the Durand Line. The violent confrontation is believed to be a response from Afghan forces to current Pakistani army actions in Afghanistan.
“Taliban forces have captured a number of outposts from the Pakistani Military throughout the Durand Line in Kunar and Helmand provinces,” an Afghan Protection official mentioned in a press release.
Rising stress between the 2 international locations
The border conflict follows a sequence of escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. On October 9, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan’s jap provinces, concentrating on senior commanders of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), together with the group’s chief, Noor Wali Mehsud. In response to the airstrikes, Afghan forces allegedly launched a counterattack, concentrating on Pakistani army posts close to the Durand Line. Studies counsel that Afghan forces efficiently focused a number of Pakistani outposts in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, dealing a big blow to Pakistan’s army presence within the space.
In accordance with the Afghan Protection Ministry, “Pakistani facet’s amenities and tools had been destroyed in tonight’s assaults.”
“One outpost every throughout Kunar and Helmand had been destroyed, whereas Pakistani forces reportedly suffered casualties and misplaced a number of weapons and automobiles to the Taliban fighters,” they claimed.
Sources from the Afghan Protection Ministry have claimed that Pakistani army amenities and tools had been destroyed through the clashes, with vital casualties on the Pakistani facet. The Pakistani army has but to challenge an official assertion on the incident.
“In retaliation for air strikes carried out by the Pakistani military on Kabul,” Taliban forces are engaged ” in heavy clashes towards Pakistani safety forces in varied areas” alongside the border, the Afghan army mentioned in a press release.
Later, Taliban defence ministry spokesman Enayat Khowarazm advised AFP the “profitable” operations had ended at midnight. However he warned: “If the opposing facet violates Afghanistan’s territory once more, our armed forces are able to defend their territory and can reply firmly.”
Afghanistan Overseas Minister Muttaqi in India
The most recent violence comes at a time when Taliban Overseas Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is on an eight-day go to to India.
Muttaqi, who travelled from Delhi by highway along with his delegation, was welcomed by Darul Uloom’s Vice-Chancellor Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, and different officers amid a floral bathe. A whole lot of scholars and residents gathered on the seminary to greet him, although safety personnel maintained strict protocols.
Chatting with reporters, Muttaqi expressed gratitude for the reception: “I’m grateful for such a grand welcome and the love proven by the individuals right here. I hope that India-Afghanistan ties advance additional.”
Muttaqi’s go to is being seen as a key spiritual and diplomatic initiative. Analysts be aware that it challenges Pakistan’s claims of being the principle protector of Deobandi Islam and the first supporter of the Taliban. By visiting Deoband, Muttaqi signalled that the Taliban’s spiritual roots have connections to India, suggesting a shift in Taliban diplomacy and potential discount of dependence on Pakistan.
Muttaqi emphasised hopes for nearer bilateral relations, stating, “We shall be sending new diplomats, and I hope you individuals will go to Kabul as effectively. These visits could also be frequent within the close to future.” He additionally highlighted potential collaboration between India and Afghanistan on the event of Iran’s Chabahar port, noting challenges posed by worldwide sanctions.
This newest conflict marks probably the most extreme escalations in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations for the reason that Taliban’s return to energy in 2021. The border stays a risky hotspot, with each international locations ceaselessly accusing one another of supporting militant teams working throughout the area.