Taliban launches massive attack on Pakistan border in biggest clash since 2021
Illustrative photo: Afghan Taliban fighters (Getty Images)
Major clashes erupted on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Saturday, October 11, as Afghan Taliban forces launched a coordinated offensive against Pakistani troops across multiple districts, News18 reports.
Taliban units attacked posts and infrastructure of the Pakistan Border Corps along the Durand Line, a border strip established during British rule in India.
In the Dangam and Birkot sectors, Pakistani positions came under heavy artillery fire as Taliban units advanced. Drone attacks and shelling were also reported on both sides in Helmand, Paktia, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Khost provinces. Pakistani posts and checkpoints in Kurram, Bajaur, and North Waziristan were targeted.
The 201st Khalid bin Walid Army Corps of Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the offensive. This marks the first time the Taliban has officially acknowledged an attack on Pakistan. The group said the strike was a response to alleged "sovereignty violations" of Afghanistan by Pakistani forces.
Gunfire quickly escalated into an exchange of artillery strikes on both sides. Taliban fighters are using captured US equipment taken from the Afghan government army in 2021 and are employing artillery, mortars, and drones on a large scale.
The escalation has been described as the largest since 2021, when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan after US forces withdrew. At least two Pakistani soldiers and one civilian were killed, while up to ten military personnel and civilians were wounded. Taliban casualties were reported but not acknowledged by the group.
The conflict comes amid US negotiations on a potential troop return to Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump said Washington seeks control of Bagram Air Base, a key strategic site in the region.
Commenting on US statements, Taliban Foreign Ministry official Zakir Jalal said the movement would not allow Washington to regain control over the base.
