Kabul: Tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border escalated sharply on Saturday night as Afghan armed forces launched retaliatory strikes targeting Pakistani military outposts along the Durand Line. The strikes followed what Kabul has described as repeated violations of its airspace and sovereignty by Pakistani forces.
The Ministry of Defence of Afghanistan, in an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed the operation, stating that Afghan forces acted in response to recent airstrikes carried out by Pakistan inside Afghan territory.
“Tonight, our armed forces conducted a successful retaliatory operation against the centres of Pakistani forces along the Durand Line in response to the repeated violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty,” the statement read.
“The operation concluded around midnight.”
The Afghan government had earlier condemned Pakistani air raids in the Kabul and Paktika provinces, describing them as “unprecedented and violent” actions in the history of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry issued a stern warning to Islamabad, emphasizing that its forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s territorial integrity.
“If the Pakistani side violates Afghanistan’s sovereignty again, our armed forces are prepared to defend the country’s borders and will respond decisively,” the ministry declared.
Though details of the scale and impact of Saturday’s strikes remain limited, the exchange marks one of the most serious confrontations between the two neighbouring countries in recent months. There has been no immediate response from Pakistani authorities regarding the Afghan claims or the retaliatory operation.
Tensions along the Durand Line — the disputed border demarcation between Afghanistan and Pakistan — have remained volatile for years, often flaring due to cross-border attacks, militant movements, and accusations of airspace violations.
Diplomatic observers warn that any continued escalation could significantly destabilize the already fragile regional security landscape, particularly as both nations grapple with internal security challenges and strained international relations.
No casualties have been officially confirmed yet, and it remains to be seen whether this incident will prompt diplomatic engagement or further military posturing on either side.
