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Taliban Mount Border 'Reprisal' Raids as Pakistan Vows 'Muscular' Response, Shuts Key Crossings

A threatened retaliation underscores Pakistan’s demand that Kabul curb the TTP.

Overview

  • Taliban authorities say their night operation along the Durand Line was launched after blasts they blame on Pakistani strikes and ended around midnight local time.
  • Kabul claims 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 9 Taliban died, while Pakistan reports 23 troops killed and says roughly 200 Afghan fighters were neutralized.
  • Pakistani officials report heavy exchanges at several border points and say three Afghan quadcopter drones suspected of carrying explosives were shot down.
  • The Torkham and Spin Boldak/Chaman crossings were closed and additional forces deployed, halting movement and straining trade routes.
  • Iran and Saudi Arabia called for de-escalation as Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering the TTP and Afghanistan rejects responsibility for the initial blasts.