Military clashes in Pakistan’s Kurram Agency and Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district have heightened tensions between the two countries. Following the incident, both sides have accused each other of initiating attacks.
Pakistan’s Position
According to state broadcaster PTV, on Tuesday evening, Afghan Taliban and TTP elements opened indiscriminate fire in the Kurram Agency. The Pakistani military responded by targeting Afghan Taliban outposts and TTP training camps across the border in Afghanistan. Officials emphasized that the operation was purely retaliatory.
Afghan Response
Contrary to Pakistan’s account, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistani forces first conducted an operation in Spin Boldak, prompting Afghan forces to respond. Mujahid further asserted that several Pakistani soldiers were killed during the counterattack and that some Pakistani posts were seized. Afghan media reports indicate that the fighting began around 4 a.m., with civilians comprising the majority of casualties, as both areas are densely populated.
Impact and Analysis
PTV further reported that Pakistani forces targeted and destroyed key infrastructure in Afghanistan’s Khost province during the retaliatory strikes.
Experts warn that if the situation remains unchecked, it could severely destabilize the region and undermine peace efforts between the two neighboring countries.
