Devastating Attack by Pakistan on Afghan Forces Using Tanks and Artillery

Darwin, October 12 — Intense clashes have erupted between Afghan Taliban forces and Pakistani security forces in multiple areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, according to a report by the Dawn newspaper.

Islamabad has claimed that the Pakistani military launched a strong retaliatory attack in response to provocative assaults by Afghan Taliban forces. The military has also deployed artillery and tanks along the border.

This conflict comes at a time when Kabul accused Islamabad last week of carrying out airstrikes in the Afghan capital.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, on Saturday night praised the role of security forces. He accused Afghan forces of firing on civilian populations and labeled it a blatant violation of international law.

In a post on social media platform X, the minister further said, “Pakistan’s forces are alert, and Afghanistan is being answered not just with bricks, but with stones. The people are standing with the armed forces like a wall of lead. Afghanistan will receive a crushing response just like India did.”

According to Dawn, citing security sources, the Pakistani military targeted several Afghan border posts. Officials said multiple Afghan posts and militant groups suffered significant damage.

Initially, Afghan forces attacked Pakistani posts in Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, and Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as Baramcha in Balochistan. In response, Pakistan used artillery, tanks, and both light and heavy weaponry.

Security sources in Pakistan also claimed that several Afghan soldiers were killed, and that “militant groups were forced to retreat due to effective and intense counter-attacks by Pakistani forces.” The Afghan posts failed to provide covering fire to the militants, resulting in “severe losses” on both fronts.

Afghan Taliban’s Position

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that Afghan forces launched a “counter-operation” against Pakistani security forces.

The ministry stated, “The operation concluded at midnight. If the opposing side (Pakistan) attacks Afghan territory again, our armed forces are ready to defend the homeland and will respond strongly.”

Kabul claims the clashes stemmed from retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes earlier this week.

Although Islamabad has not directly admitted to any airstrikes, it has urged Kabul to stop providing shelter to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants on its soil.

Calls for Restraint from the International Community

In response to the conflict, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have urged both sides to show restraint.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, “Our position is that both parties must show restraint and work to maintain regional stability.”

Saudi Arabia, which recently signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, expressed concern over the clashes and called for dialogue and wisdom to prevent conflict and preserve regional security and stability.

Qatar also urged both parties to prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint, and to work toward de-escalation and achieving regional peace.