On December 27, 2024, heavy clashes erupted between Afghan and Pakistani border forces, resulting in the deaths of 19 Pakistani soldiers and three Afghan civilians. The fighting, which began around 1 a.m. local time, continued for several hours, with both sides exchanging intense fire. According to local sources, rockets fired by Pakistani forces reportedly struck civilian homes, though no official casualty or damage report has been released from either side. The Taliban, who have yet to comment on the incident, have become embroiled in ongoing cross-border tensions with Pakistan in recent years.
A History of Escalating Tensions
This recent skirmish follows a series of confrontations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Just days before the December 27 clashes, Pakistani airstrikes targeted Afghanistan’s Barmal district in Paktika province. The Taliban condemned the airstrikes, claiming they targeted Waziristani refugees and resulted in the deaths of 46 people, including women and children. The mounting border tensions, fuelled by military confrontations and military strikes, have only worsened the situation.
Casualties and Military Action on Both Sides
As the clashes continued, Afghan border forces set fire to several Pakistani military posts in Khost province’s Ali Shir district, capturing two Pakistani posts in Paktia’s Dand-e-Patan district. In addition, Pakistani mortar shells in the Dand-e-Patan district led to the deaths of three Afghan civilians. The ongoing violence highlights the precarious security situation in the region, where airstrikes, military action, and the targeting of civilian areas have become common.
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Taliban and Pakistan troops clash in fiery showdown
Taliban fighters and Pakistani troops traded heavy fire in the Dand-e-Patan district on Friday, turning the border into a war zone.
Unverified social media videos show some fighting (V1) and the aftermath (V2).#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/PHANr8CadO
— RT (@RT_com) December 28, 2024
Terrorism and Cross-Border Militancy
The recent fighting comes amid rising concerns over terrorism, particularly with the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. Pakistan has faced an increase in terror attacks, primarily linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that aims to establish an Islamic emirate in Pakistan. A report from the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies revealed a 56% rise in fatalities from terror attacks in 2023 compared to the previous year, with over 1,500 people killed, including 500 security personnel.
Strained Relations Between Kabul and Islamabad
The Taliban’s return to power in Kabul has strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Islamabad has accused the Afghan government of fostering cross-border terrorism, further complicating diplomatic efforts and peace talks between the two countries. As both sides struggle to contain the violence, the situation remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight.
The growing tensions and escalating border skirmishes between Afghanistan and Pakistan have made the region more unstable, with civilian casualties mounting and the potential for further violence looming.