Heavy fighting continued overnight along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, signaling worsening relations between the two neighboring nations. The clashes began after Taliban fighters attacked several Pakistani military posts, prompting both sides to exchange intense gunfire.

The violence came only hours after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, according to security officials from both countries.

Taliban Claims Retaliation

Taliban authorities said their forces launched counterattacks on Pakistani troops, accusing Islamabad of conducting strikes inside Afghan territory. They claimed to have captured two Pakistani border posts in Helmand province, a statement that was later confirmed by local officials.

Pakistan Confirms Cross-Border Fire

Pakistani security officials admitted that clashes occurred at several border points. They said their forces responded forcefully to Taliban attacks.

A Pakistani government official told The Guardian, “Tonight, Taliban forces began firing at several border points. We retaliated with artillery at four locations along the border.”

The official added, “We will not tolerate any aggression from the Afghan Taliban within our territory. Pakistani forces responded with heavy fire, effectively targeting several Afghan border posts.”

Reports suggested that the Pakistani army used artillery tanks and both light and heavy weapons during the confrontation.

Taliban Claims Killing 12 Pakistani Soldiers

According to Afghan outlet Tolo News, Taliban forces claimed responsibility for killing at least 12 Pakistani soldiers in the clashes. The fighting reportedly took place in Bahram Chah district of Helmand province, an area known for frequent border tensions.

Tolo News reported that the forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), as the Taliban government calls itself, engaged Pakistani troops in a “heavy exchange of fire” overnight. Sources told the outlet that Taliban fighters even captured a Pakistani Mil Dehshika armored tank during the battle.

Reports of Pakistani Soldiers Surrendering

In addition, five Pakistani soldiers allegedly surrendered to Taliban fighters in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province, according to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence. The ministry described the operation as “successful” and said it concluded around midnight.

The statement also warned Pakistan against further air incursions, saying any future violation of Afghanistan’s airspace would face a “strong response.” It added that the Afghan armed forces were fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty.

Pakistan Calls the Attack Unprovoked

Meanwhile, a Pakistani security official told Reuters that their forces were responding “with full force” after the Taliban’s actions. They described the Taliban’s firing as “unprovoked” and said the exchange of fire occurred at more than six locations along the border.

Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khowarazmi reiterated the country’s warning, saying, “If the opposing side again violates Afghanistan’s airspace, our armed forces are prepared to defend their airspace and will deliver a strong response.”

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border stretches 2,600 kilometers (1,615 miles) and has long been a hotspot for tensions, with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants and conducting cross-border attacks. The latest confrontation adds to the already strained relationship between Kabul and Islamabad.