A Taliban fighter in a military helicopter. Photo: Ahmad Sahel Arman / AFP
The Afghan Ministry of Defence reported that Taliban forces attacked several positions in Pakistan, days after Pakistani aircraft carried out bombing raids inside Afghanistan. Although the statement did not specifically mention Pakistan, it indicated that the strikes were carried out across the so-called “hypothetical line,” a term used by Afghan authorities to refer to the disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, France 24 reported.
According to the ministry, the strikes were aimed at the centres and hideouts of militants who organised and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan. However, the Afghan authorities did not confirm that the attacks were on Pakistani territory. The ministry’s spokesman, Enayatullah Khowarazmi, explained that they do not consider the area to be part of Pakistan due to the disputed nature of the border.
The border, known as the Durand Line, was established during British colonial rule in the 19th century and has been a matter of dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan for several decades. It is an area that includes inaccessible mountains and tribal areas, where clashes between different groups are frequent.
The Taliban did not provide details on the impact of the attacks, such as casualties or specific areas. Pakistan has not commented on these events, although it has previously confirmed its shelling in Afghanistan, claiming that it was necessary to destroy Islamist militant hideouts in the border area.
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to be strained by Pakistan’s constant accusations that militants are attacking its territory from Afghanistan. The Taliban categorically deny these allegations.
