Kabul, Afghanistan – A Taliban official reported that clashes with Pakistani forces in the Nazian district of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan have stopped, following an exchange of fire between the two sides.
Details of the clashes
Zabihullah Noorani, head of the Taliban’s information and culture department, said the clashes ceased after the movement’s border forces responded to what he described as gunfire from the Pakistani side. He added that the situation had returned to calm in the area following the recent tensions.
Conflicting accounts
On the other hand, Pakistani media reported that Taliban fighters initiated the attack by firing on Pakistani military posts, leading to the confrontation. The Pakistani government has not issued an official statement regarding the extent of the casualties or who was directly responsible for starting the clashes.
Background to the escalation
These clashes came days after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in areas of Paktika and Nangarhar provinces. Pakistan stated that it targeted militant positions. In contrast, the Taliban reported that civilians were targeted and that no militants were among the victims.
The ambiguity surrounding human losses
So far, no official information is available on the number of dead or wounded on either side, while observers continue to monitor the situation. The incident reflects the fragility of security along the border and the importance of intensifying dialogue to prevent any future escalation that could threaten the stability of the region.
Calls for dialogue
Regional experts and diplomats are urging continued communication between Afghanistan and Pakistan to contain tensions. They stress the necessity of this, especially after the recent airstrikes, to avoid any wider military confrontation that could affect civilians.
