Fresh clashes erupted along the Pakistan&ndash;Afghanistan border late on Saturday, as Taliban forces launched coordinated assaults on Pakistani military posts. The violence marks a sharp escalation following Pakistan&rsquo;s recent airstrikes in Kabul, which Afghanistan&rsquo;s Taliban government described as a &ldquo;violation of sovereignty&rdquo;.
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According to senior defence officials from both nations, intense firefights broke out across more than six locations, including in Nangarhar, Kunar, Paktia, Khost and Helmand provinces, all adjoining Pakistan&rsquo;s north-western frontier. Heavy artillery and automatic weapon fire were exchanged through the night, lighting up the rugged mountain sky along the Durand Line.
Afghan military spokesperson Enayatullah Khowarazmi said the strikes were part of a &ldquo;retaliatory operation&rdquo;following Pakistan&rsquo;s cross-border action earlier this week. He warned, &ldquo;If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan&rsquo;s airspace, our armed forces will respond with full strength.&rdquo;
Pakistan&rsquo;s security establishment, meanwhile, stated that its troops responded &ldquo;with full force&rdquo; to what it termed &ldquo;unprovoked aggression&rdquo; from the Afghan side. Officials confirmed that artillery batteries targeted multiple Taliban positions, and several Afghan border posts were destroyed in counter-fire.
Local Taliban commanders claimed to have captured at least three Pakistani border posts, though Islamabad dismissed these claims as &ldquo;propaganda&rdquo;. Reports from the ground, however, indicated that casualties had occurred on both sides, though exact figures remain unconfirmed.
The confrontation follows Thursday&rsquo;s explosions in Kabul and Afghanistan&rsquo;s southeast, which the Taliban administration attributed to Pakistani airstrikes. Islamabad, while not confirming involvement, reiterated its demand that Kabul act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group accused of launching multiple cross-border attacks since 2021.
This renewed border tension underscores the fragile security dynamics between the two neighbours, each accusing the other of harbouring militants. Analysts warn that if not contained, the clashes could spiral into a broader military confrontation, threatening regional stability.

Afghan tank moves towards Pakistan border

Taliban retaliates after Pakistani airstrikes near Kabul; multiple border posts hit

Afghan, Pakistani troops clash along tense border

Taliban retaliates after Pakistani airstrikes near Kabul; multiple border posts hit

October 12, 2025 | 11:09 IST