Taliban launches offensive on Pakistan

Taliban units attacked posts and infrastructure of the Pakistan Frontier Corps along the so-called Durand Line, a border strip drawn during the British rule in Hindustan.

In the Dangam and Birkot border sectors, numerous artillery attacks on Pakistani positions and advances by Taliban units were recorded.

Shelling and drone attacks from both sides were also recorded in the provinces of Helmand, Paktia, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Khost. Pakistani posts and checkpoints in Kurram, Bajaur, and North Waziristan came under fire.

The so-called "201st Army Corps" of the Taliban military units claimed responsibility for the attack. This is the first time the Taliban has officially acknowledged an attack on Pakistan. The Taliban themselves say the attack is an alleged response to "violations of sovereignty" of Afghanistan by the Pakistani military.

Small arms fire has escalated into artillery fire from both sides. Taliban fighters are moving around on captured American equipment that they captured from the Afghan government army in 2021. They are making extensive use of artillery, mortars, and drones.

At least two Pakistani soldiers and one civilian were killed in the shelling, and up to ten soldiers and civilians were injured. The Taliban also suffered casualties, but the Taliban does not acknowledge them.

The conflict began as the United States is negotiating a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to US President Donald Trump, Washington wants to regain the Bagram Air Base, which is important in the region.

Commenting on the US statements, a Taliban Foreign Ministry official, Zakir Jalal, said that the movement would not allow Washington to regain control over a key airbase in Afghanistan.