Afghanistan makes big claim: 7 Pakistani soldiers taken hostage, photos released
Kabul/Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan now appear to be turning into open war. In retaliation for Pakistan's missile attacks on Thursday, Afghan Taliban forces launched a fierce attack on several Pakistani army posts along the Durand Line late Saturday night. Fifteen Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed and seven taken hostage in this retaliatory action. Afghanistan further strengthened its claim by releasing photographs of the hostage soldiers.
According to Afghan media reports and Helmand provincial spokesman Maulvi Mohammad Qasim Riaz, the operation began late Saturday night in Bahrampur district near the Durand Line and lasted for about three hours. Afghan forces not only heavily shelled Pakistani positions but also captured three of their military outposts. The spokesman claimed that a large quantity of weapons and ammunition were also seized during the operation.
A local police officer told BBC Urdu that heavy weapons fire began from the Afghan side around 10 pm on Saturday night. Clashes were reported in several areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, including Angoor Adda, Kurram, Bajaur, Dir, and Chitral.
The dispute erupted after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika provinces on Thursday. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan harbors Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists who carry out attacks in Pakistan. Following this airstrikes, Afghanistan warned Pakistan of dire consequences.
However, the Pakistani military has also retaliated to the Afghan attacks. According to reports, the Pakistani army attacked Afghan positions with artillery and fighter jets.
The Afghan Defense Ministry issued a statement late last night, saying the operation had ended at midnight. It also warned that its forces were fully prepared to defend the country if Pakistan violated the Afghan border again. Following this incident, tensions between the two countries are at an all-time high.