Taliban’s Retaliatory Strikes Result In 58 Pakistani Soldiers Killed Amid Rising Tensions

The Taliban's spokesperson announced the death of at least 58 Pakistani soldiers in retaliatory attacks near the Durand Line. Mujahid warns Pakistan of consequences for harbouring ISIS militants, highlighting escalating tensions along the border.

International

-Gaurav Sharma

Updated: Sunday, October 12, 2025, 13:50 [IST]

The Taliban's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, announced that their forces killed at least 58 Pakistani soldiers and injured over 30 others in retaliatory attacks near the Durand Line in Behrampur district. He warned Pakistan of responding to every attack and accused it of harbouring ISIS terrorists. "Pakistan has turned a blind eye to the presence of ISIS on its soil," he stated.

Taliban's Retaliatory Strikes

Mujahid emphasized Afghanistan's right to defend its borders, insisting that any aggression would be met with a strong response. He urged Pakistan to expel or hand over key ISIS members hiding within its territory to the Islamic Emirate. "The ISIS group poses a threat to many countries in the world, including Afghanistan," he added.

The Taliban leader claimed that while they had cleared their land of troublemakers, new bases were set up in Pashtunkhwa. He alleged that recruits were transported for training through Karachi and Islamabad airports. "Even attacks in Afghanistan are being planned from these centers, and there is documented evidence of this," Mujahid noted.

Weapons Seized by Taliban Forces

In defending their actions, Mujahid mentioned that a significant cache of weapons was captured by Islamic Emirate forces during the clashes. However, more than 20 members of their forces were also either killed or wounded. The spokesperson reiterated Afghanistan's right to protect its air and land borders against any threats.

The airstrikes ceased following requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In retaliation for Pakistan's recent airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika provinces, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani posts in Helmand, Kandahar, Zabul, Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, and Kunar provinces. These areas lie along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Mujahid concluded by stating that anyone violating Afghan soil or airspace would face severe consequences. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange accusations and military actions along the border regions.