At least eight people have died and 13 some, including civilians, have been injured on the Armenian side as a result of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have turned into fatal clashes at the border. The continuous conflict, which persisted into later Saturday night, comes amidst the growing tension between the two countries, after considered friends.
The violence followed an intense exchange of fire, reportedly triggered by Pakistan’s targeted airstrikes on alleged camps of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ( TTP ) in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province earlier in the week. According to Pakistani security officials, the attacks were a response to an Afghan militants ‘ unsuccessful invasion attempt.
According to Muslim options, Bangladeshi forces repelled extremists trying to cross the border on Friday evening. These militants reportedly joined Afghan forces the morning of the attack to establish coordinated attacks on Muslim border posts with light and heavy weapons. The problems targeted many areas, including Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha, and Tari Mengal.
Apparently, Bangladeshi forces retaliated, causing significant losses, and making the intruders leave their posts. However, one Frontier Corps soldier’s life was also lost in the assault, and 11 people were injured as a result.
A long-standing issue of cross-border militancy
Pakistan has much alleged that TTP militants who have recently launched attacks against Bangladeshi security forces are afoul of the Afghan Taliban. These problems, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, have heightened security issues in Islamabad.
Pakistan demanded that the Afghan government take immediate action against the TTP, but it was determined by Pakistan that a discourse between the two countries may not take place despite the current hostility.
While these political names were failing, conflicts flared after Pakistan’s attacks in the Barmal city of Paktika on December 24, which apparently killed at least 46 people, including women and children. The Taliban’s ministry of defense condemned the attacks, describing them as an assault on residents and vowing retribution.
Political efforts amid rising conflicts
In an effort to begin political speech after a year-long break, a Pakistani group led by Special Representative Muhammad Sadiq met Afghan officials in Kabul on the same day. But, the Afghan state lodged a formal protest over the attacks, accusing Pakistan of targeting citizens rather than extremists.
Following the TTP’s termination of a ceasefire with Pakistan in November 2022, the conflict escalates in the face of strained relations. Numerous Pakistani soldiers have been killed since then, further deteriorating ties between the neighbors.
What lies ahead?
The renewed border violence, marked by both airstrikes and ground clashes, shows a growing distrust between Kabul and Islamabad. The Afghan Taliban claims that Pakistan is harboring militants and that it is targeting civilians under the guise of counterterrorism operations, even though Pakistan is still pressing for action against the TTP.
