Clashes Erupt Between Pakistani and Afghan Forces, Claims Diverge
Kunar Province, Afghanistan – Deadly clashes along the border between Pakistani and Afghan forces have left a trail of conflicting reports and raised concerns about escalating tensions between the two nations. The incidents, occurring near the Torkham border crossing, have resulted in reported casualties on both sides and injuries to civilians.
According to Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, Afghan forces seized over 15 Pakistani outposts within a two-hour period. Mujahid claimed “dozens” of Pakistani soldiers were killed, with ten bodies reportedly transferred to Kunar and surrounding areas, alongside an unspecified number of wounded and captured soldiers.
However, a spokesperson for Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vehemently denied these claims, stating that no Pakistani posts were captured or damaged. The Pakistani side alleges its forces retaliated, inflicting “heavy losses” on the Afghan side.
The violence also impacted civilians. An Afghan official reported multiple injuries near the Torkham border crossing, specifically at a camp housing individuals returning from Pakistan.
These clashes follow a period of heightened tensions, including reports from late October 2025 that the Taliban ordered the construction of a dam on the Kunar River, a move Pakistan fears will restrict its water supply. This dam project, authorized by Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, comes after deadly skirmishes along the disputed Durand Line.
The situation remains fluid, and independent verification of the claims made by both sides is currently unavailable. The exchange of fire underscores the fragile security situation in the region and the potential for further escalation. The border area has long been a source of contention, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants and Afghanistan disputing the legitimacy of the Durand Line, the border established during British colonial rule.