TL;DR : After Pakistan bombed Afghan areas to target militants, the Taliban attacked Pakistani military posts along the border. Heavy fighting broke out, killing at least 12 Pakistani soldiers. Both sides blame each other, and tensions are rising fast.
🔹 What Happened
- Between October 9-10, 2025, Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan (including Kabul, Paktika, Khost, and Jalalabad), targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants.
- In response, on October 11, the Afghan Taliban launched cross-border attacks on Pakistani military positions along at least seven points of the Durand Line.
- At least 12 Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed, and Taliban forces claimed to have captured three Pakistani military outposts.
- Taliban convoys, including Humvees and reinforcements, were sent to border provinces such as Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost, and Helmand.
- Pakistan responded with artillery and drone fire, shooting down three Taliban drones suspected of carrying explosives.
- Heavy fighting continued into October 12, with both sides exchanging gunfire and artillery shells.
🔹 Statements and Accusations
- Afghan Taliban Defense Ministry called the Pakistani strikes an "unprecedented, violent, and provocative act."
- Taliban spokesman Enayat Khowarazm said:
- Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Taliban attacks as "unprovoked" and accused them of targeting civilians.
- Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told parliament:
"If the opposing side violates Afghanistan's territory again, our armed forces are ready to defend their territory and will respond firmly."
"We will not tolerate this any longer. United, we must respond to those facilitating them, whether the hideouts are on our soil or Afghan soil."
🔹 Background and Context
- Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP militants, who are blamed for over 600 attacks in Pakistan during 2025.
- A UN report earlier this year said the TTP receives "substantial logistical and operational support from the de facto authorities" (Taliban government).
- The Taliban denies supporting the TTP and says it respects other countries’ sovereignty.
- TTP claimed deadly attacks on October 10-11 in Pakistan that killed 20 soldiers and 3 civilians.
🔹 Regional and International Reactions
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged neighboring countries "to exercise restraint."
- UN officials and regional observers have warned of a broader conflict if tensions continue to escalate.
- Civilians near the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) were displaced due to the fighting.