Taliban and Pakistani forces exchange heavy fire along Afghan border | Border Dispute News

The clashes come as tensions escalate following an airstrike on Kabul that the Taliban blames on Islamabad.

Taliban and Pakistani forces have exchanged fire on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, sparking calls for restraint from Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as tensions escalate following an airstrike on the Afghan capital, Kabul, earlier this week.

Enayatullah Khwarizmi, a spokesperson for the Afghan Defense Ministry, said Saturday evening that Taliban forces had carried out “successful retaliatory attacks” against Pakistani soldiers in response to the neighboring country’s “repeated violations” and airstrikes on Afghan territory.

He indicated on the X that the operation had ended at midnight.

Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the Afghan attacks “unprovoked” and said Pakistani forces were responding “with a stone for every brick.”

“Firing by Afghan forces on the civilian population is a blatant violation of international law. The courageous Pakistani forces have given a swift and effective response that no provocation will be tolerated,” he said in a post on X.

Radio Pakistan, citing security sources, said the Afghan attacks took place at six locations along the border.

He said the attacks had drawn a “strong and intense response” from the Pakistani military and shared video footage of gun and artillery fire that lit up the night sky.

He did not say whether the clashes had ended.

The fighting comes days after explosions rocked the Afghan capital, Kabul, in an airstrike that the Taliban blamed on Pakistan.

Islamabad has not claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attacks.

However, he accuses the Afghan Taliban administration of harboring Pakistani Taliban fighters who attack Pakistan, with the support of its adversary, India.

New Delhi denies the accusations, while the Taliban say they do not allow their territory to be used against other countries.

The escalation of tensions has raised concerns at the regional level.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on his country’s two neighbors “to show restraint”.

“Our position is that both sides must exercise restraint,” Araghchi said in a live interview on state television, according to the AFP news agency, adding that “stability” between the countries “contributes to regional stability.”

Qatar expressed its “deep concern” over the tensions and the “potential strain these could have on the security and stability of the region”.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also urged “both sides to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, exercise restraint and work to contain differences in a way that helps reduce tensions, avoid escalation and contribute to regional peace and stability.”

Saudi Arabia also expressed concern.

“The kingdom calls for restraint, avoiding escalation and embracing dialogue and wisdom to help reduce tensions and maintain security and stability in the region,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.

“The kingdom affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, as well as its continued commitment to ensuring security, which will ensure stability and prosperity for the brotherly people of Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the statement added.