Afghanistan has launched a ‘large-scale’ military operation on Pakistani army positions, according to the Taliban, in response to recent strikes by Islamabad that killed at least 18 people. The attack occurred late on Thursday along the shared border, with Taliban officials claiming that ‘numerous’ Pakistani soldiers were killed and some captured in the offensive.

Border Clash Escalates After Air Strikes

The operation was launched at around 20:00 local time (15:30 GMT) on Thursday, according to Taliban military spokesman Mawlawi Wahidullah Mohammadi. The group accused Pakistan of repeated border violations and ‘insurgency by Pakistani military circles,’ prompting preemptive strikes against army centers and installations along the border.

Pakistan’s information ministry responded by stating that the ‘unprovoked fire’ was met with ‘immediate and effective response by Pakistan’s security forces.’ The ministry claimed heavy casualties on the Afghan side, with multiple posts and equipment reportedly destroyed. A statement shared on X said Pakistan would take ‘all necessary measures’ to ensure its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens.

Retaliatory Action Follows Air Strikes

The latest escalation comes after Islamabad carried out overnight air strikes on Afghanistan earlier this week. The Taliban said the strikes targeted seven alleged militant camps and hideouts near the border, which were reportedly linked to recent suicide bombings in Pakistan. Kabul had previously warned of retaliatory action ‘at the appropriate time’ following the strikes.

Pakistan said it targeted the camps after a series of suicide bombings, including an attack on a military convoy that killed several soldiers. However, the Taliban accused Islamabad of targeting civilian homes and a religious school, with women and children among those killed in the strikes.

Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on X that the attacks were a response to ‘repeated border violations and insurgency by Pakistani military circles.’ He also emphasized that ‘large-scale preemptive operations were launched against Pakistani army centres and military installations’ along the border.

Escalation Amid Fragile Ceasefire

The exchange of fire comes after the two countries agreed to a fragile ceasefire in October, following deadly cross-border clashes. However, fighting has continued despite the agreement. The ceasefire was brokered to ease tensions after months of heightened violence, including attacks by the Pakistan Taliban, which the Taliban group is accused of supporting.

Pakistan was a major backer of the Taliban after its ouster in 2001 following a US-led invasion. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent years, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban of providing a safe haven to the Pakistan Taliban, which has carried out at least 600 attacks on Pakistani forces over the past year, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

The two nations share a 1,600-mile (2,574 km) mountainous border, which has long been a flashpoint for conflict. The latest clashes threaten to further destabilize the region, where both countries are already struggling with internal security challenges and economic hardship.

Analysts warn that the renewed violence could disrupt regional stability and further strain already tense relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The situation remains highly volatile, with no clear end in sight to the cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation along the contested border.