Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated sharply, raising fears of a full-scale war as the Taliban deploys troops to the border following a series of deadly exchanges.
The crisis deepened when the Afghan Taliban launched artillery strikes on Pakistani military checkpoints near the Durand Line, a contested border area. Taliban officials claim to have destroyed “several” Pakistani positions and mobilised battalions to prepare for further retaliation, showcasing their readiness for an extended conflict.
Retaliatory strikes and civilian casualties
The Taliban’s aggressive actions came in response to Pakistani airstrikes targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters, a group allied with the Afghan Taliban. These strikes reportedly killed 46 civilians in eastern Afghanistan, including women and children, fuelling anger and vows of vengeance from the Afghan government.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s foreign minister, issued a stern warning to Islamabad. “We will not forget Pakistan’s aggression on Afghan soil today,” he declared. “We are facing difficulties but are very brave. Don’t underestimate us.”
Taliban’s bold declaration
In a chilling statement to The Telegraph, a senior Taliban official dismissed Pakistan’s military might, including its nuclear arsenal, claiming, “We don’t care if they have a nuclear bomb – we have faith and know that God is with us.” The official further asserted that their forces are “prepared for anything” and accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty.
The Taliban has also shared videos on social media showing troop movements, including Soviet-era tanks and NATO vehicles abandoned during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. These clips signal their determination to confront Pakistani forces head-on.
Historical ties and current discord
The irony of the current conflict lies in Pakistan’s historical support for the Afghan Taliban during the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan. Islamabad’s aim was to gain influence in Kabul, but the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has backfired, exacerbating Pakistan’s ongoing battle with the TTP.
Since the Taliban’s takeover, the TTP has intensified its attacks on Pakistani soil, reportedly emboldened by weapons funnelled from Afghanistan, including equipment seized from retreating U.S. forces. Pakistani authorities, once hopeful of the Taliban’s cooperation in curbing the TTP, now find themselves confronting a two-front threat.
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International concern and calls for restraint
The volatile situation has sparked international alarm. On Sunday, Russia called for both nations to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s foreign ministry, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and urged the two sides to prioritise stability.
Despite these calls for peace, signs point to further conflict. Taliban-linked media outlets have hinted at additional troop deployments, while officials in Kabul reportedly weigh their options should Pakistan continue its airstrikes.
Durand line dispute
The Durand Line, drawn by the British in the 19th century, remains a longstanding source of tension between the two nations. The Afghan Taliban has consistently refused to recognise the line as an official border, referring to it instead as a “hypothetical line.” In their latest statements, they dismissed Pakistan’s territorial claims and vowed to defend Afghan sovereignty.
Regional implications
The prospect of an all-out war between Afghanistan and Pakistan threatens to destabilise an already volatile region. Analysts warn that such a conflict could exacerbate humanitarian crises and disrupt international efforts to maintain security in South Asia.
While both sides maintain strong rhetoric, it remains unclear whether cooler heads will prevail. For now, the border remains a flashpoint, with battalions deployed, artillery primed, and tensions at a boiling point.
As the world watches, the question lingers: will diplomacy intervene to halt this dangerous trajectory, or is the region on the brink of an unthinkable conflict?
