22:00

Afghanistan has launched military strikes against Pakistan in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas earlier in the week.

Axar.az, citing AP, reports that Afghan forces reportedly captured at least five, and later up to 17, Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line, triggering heavy clashes.

Afghan officials claim the strikes were in response to repeated Pakistani attacks on eastern Afghanistan, including civilian areas.

Pakistani authorities said their forces responded to “unprovoked fire” originating from Afghan positions along the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, with exchanges spreading to multiple districts.

Tensions along the 2,611 km border have been high for months, with prior deadly clashes in October and failed peace talks in November.

Pakistan claims to have killed militants in recent strikes, while Afghanistan reports civilian casualties, including women and children, and condemns the strikes as violations of its sovereignty.

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The Pakistani military targeted Taliban fortifications using an anti-tank guided missile.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Information account on X, the strikes inflicted significant losses on the Afghan side.

"Afghan Taliban regime unprovoked action along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border given an immediate, and effective response. Afghan Taliban miscalculated and opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations across Pakistan Afghanistan border in KP which is being met with immediate, and effective response by Pakistan’s security forces. Taliban regime forces are being delivered punishment in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur sectors. Early reports confirm heavy casualties on Afghan side with multiple posts and equipment destroyed Pakistan will take all necessary measures to ensure its territorial integrity and the safety and security of its citizens."