By Sajid Khan

ISLAMABAD — Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border reached a dangerous new level on Saturday evening, as Afghan Taliban forces launched a series of unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani border posts — just hours after Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Indian Foreign Minister and senior defense officials in New Delhi, according to security sources.

The attacks reportedly began soon after sunset, when Taliban fighters opened heavy fire on Pakistani positions in the border regions of Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, Nushki, and Baramcha. Pakistani officials described the assault as “unprovoked aggression,” aimed at facilitating the infiltration of “Khawarij and Fitna-ul-Hindustan-linked militants” into Pakistani territory.

According to security sources, the Pakistan Army responded with “full force and precision strikes,” inflicting heavy losses on Taliban forces and their foreign collaborators allegedly stationed at key Afghan military posts.

Pakistan’s Retaliatory Strikes and Battlefield Gains

In a series of updates issued by security sources early Sunday morning, Pakistan’s military confirmed that its forces had successfully captured 19 Afghan Taliban posts across different sectors of the border. Videos shared by the sources showed Taliban uniforms, weapons, and abandoned vehicles left behind as fighters fled their positions.

One of the major retaliatory strikes targeted the Manojba Camp Battalion Headquarters, which was completely destroyed. “Dozens of Taliban soldiers and foreign fighters were killed in the strike,” sources said.

Another major target was Durrani Camp-2, identified as a central hub for foreign militants’ living inside Afghanistan. Security officials confirmed that the camp was “completely obliterated,” with over 50 Taliban and foreigners killed in the operation.

Further strikes hit the Ghazni Headquarters in the Nushki sector, the Taliban’s 2nd Battalion Headquarters in Barabcha, and a tank position near the Kurram border, where multiple Taliban armored vehicles were destroyed.

“The Pakistan Army gave a befitting and timely response to the unprovoked aggression,” said one senior security official, emphasizing that the attacks were “repelled effectively, with major damage inflicted on Taliban infrastructure and leadership.”

Foreign Links and Escalating Tensions

Pakistani officials suggested that the timing of the Taliban’s aggression was not coincidental, linking it directly to the Afghan foreign minister’s recent engagements in India. “It is suspicious that the attacks began immediately after Muttaqi’s meetings with Indian counterparts and defense officials,” a senior source remarked. “Foreign hands, particularly Fitna-ul-Hindustan elements, appear to be actively encouraging instability along the Pak-Afghan border.”

Reports from the Chaman and Barabcha areas indicated that foreign fighters were present alongside Taliban units, and many were seen fleeing after the Pakistani counter-strikes. “In ongoing videos, foreigners and Taliban fighters can be seen abandoning their posts and attempting to escape,” said another official.

Visual Evidence and Continuing Operations

Footage from the battlefield, shared by security channels, shows extensive fire and destruction at captured Taliban posts. Burned-out vehicles, destroyed tanks, and abandoned weapons were visible, with Pakistani soldiers raising the national flag over a key Taliban position in the Zhob sector.

“Most Taliban fighters and foreigners have either been killed or have escaped, leaving their posts empty,” sources confirmed, describing the operation as a “major success” for Pakistan’s defense forces.

Regional Implications and Diplomatic Fallout

The unprecedented scale of the clashes marks a sharp escalation in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, already strained by repeated cross-border attacks, terrorist infiltration, and Kabul’s reluctance to act against anti-Pakistan groups operating from its soil.

Analysts in Islamabad believe the attacks represent an attempt by certain Afghan and external actors to provoke conflict and derail regional stability. “The pattern of these incidents — following diplomatic engagement between Kabul and New Delhi — points to a deliberate strategy of destabilization,” one regional security expert noted.

As of Sunday morning, Pakistani forces remain on high alert along the western border, with ongoing surveillance and tactical operations targeting remaining hostile elements. “Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and respond decisively to any future aggression,” security officials stated.

While no official statement has yet been released by the Afghan interim government, Pakistan’s military maintains that the aggression was entirely unprovoked and that the response will serve as a firm deterrent against any future provocations.