The Taliban government of Afghanistan has confirmed that it carried out strikes against the Pakistani army in several mountainous areas along the border. BBC reported this, according to “Adyrna.”
According to the information, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the attacks as “unprovoked aggression” and accused Afghanistan of firing on civilians. He also stated that Pakistan would take the necessary measures to protect its citizens.
The Pakistani side accuses the Taliban of harboring terrorists within Afghanistan, while the Afghan authorities strongly deny these allegations.
According to BBC, both sides used small arms and artillery. The clashes occurred in the Kurram district and surrounding areas of Angur Ada, Bajaur, Dir, Chitral, and Bahramcha. Local police officers said heavy shelling from the Afghan side began around 10:00 p.m., with intense gunfire heard at several points.
Earlier, the Taliban government had accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Following two explosions in Kabul, the Afghan Ministry of Defense claimed that Pakistani aircraft bombed a civilian market.
In turn, a Pakistani general stated that Afghanistan’s territory was being used as a base for terrorist attacks.
The clashes intensified during Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India. During his trip to New Delhi, Indian authorities announced plans to reopen their embassy in Kabul.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Naqvi wrote on social media:
“Afghanistan has started a game of fire and blood. It will receive an appropriate response.”
Saudi Arabia and Qatar expressed concern over the growing tensions in the region and called on both countries to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue.
