18 Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Fierce Taliban Retaliation After Airstrikes in Afghanistan — ‘We’re Fully Prepared to Defend Our Territory,’ Warns Kabul

In a sharp escalation of border hostilities, at least 18 Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory attacks by Taliban forces following Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Helmand province and Kabul, according to Afghan officials.

Mawlawi Mohammad Qasim Riaz, spokesperson for the Helmand provincial government, confirmed that Afghan forces launched overnight counter-operations near the Durand Line in Bahrampur district, killing 15 Pakistani soldiers and seizing three military outposts along with weapons and ammunition.

The fierce retaliatory strikes come just days after Pakistan allegedly carried out air raids in Kabul and Paktika provinces, prompting the Taliban-led Afghan government to respond militarily.

“In response to the Pakistani army’s attacks on Kabul, Taliban forces are engaged in intense clashes with Pakistani security personnel along the border,” the Afghan military said in a statement.

Reports indicate that multiple Pakistani positions were targeted in Helmand, Kandahar, Zabul, Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, and Kunar—all provinces bordering Pakistan. The violence intensified Thursday, with three explosions reported across Afghanistan, including two in Kabul and one in Paktika.

The Afghan Defence Ministry accused Islamabad of violating its sovereignty through these airstrikes.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Enayat Khowarazm, speaking to AFP, stated that the overnight operations were “successful” and concluded at midnight.
He further warned: “If Pakistan repeats such attacks, Afghan forces are fully prepared to defend their territory and respond firmly.”

While Islamabad has yet to officially confirm the airstrikes, the Pakistani government urged Kabul to take action against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants allegedly sheltering on Afghan soil.