Islamabad: Tension has once again increased on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Several Afghan Taliban fighters reportedly tried to cross into Pakistani territory and attack in Gulistan sector of Balochistan. After this Pakistani security forces retaliated. Pakistan has claimed that many Taliban fighters have been killed, although there has been no confirmation from the Taliban in this regard yet.
What happened in Gulistan sector?
According to the report, firing took place between the two sides late night in Gulistan sector of Balochistan. Pakistani security forces claim that Taliban fighters had tried to cross the border and attack. In response to this, security forces took action.
During this period, claims of killing of many Taliban fighters have come to light. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Why did the firing continue from both sides throughout the night?
Reports quoting Pakistan state that intermittent firing continued on the border even after midnight. This incident has happened at a time when tension on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been increasing continuously for the last few days.
On September 23 also, there was news of firing in the border area between the two countries. Pakistan had accused the Taliban of firing near border posts, while Kabul denied these allegations.
When did Pakistan carry out air strikes in Afghanistan?
Amidst increasing tension, Pakistan had claimed to carry out air strikes in many areas of Afghanistan on September 24. According to Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tardar, this action was taken in response to alleged drone attacks from Afghanistan.
Pakistan claimed that 8 drones sent from Afghanistan were shot down. After this, those places were targeted which were linked to these drone activities.
Where had Pakistan taken action even before this?
Earlier on September 21, Pakistan had also carried out air strikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan. Pakistan had claimed to have targeted terrorist hideouts and killed 28 terrorists in these attacks.
At the same time, Afghan officials had said that civilians were killed and injured in these incidents. Claims regarding these incidents and losses have varied between the two countries.
Why is tension continuously increasing on the border?
In the last few days, several incidents of infiltration, drone activities and firing have come to light on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Even on September 23, Pakistan had claimed that its security forces stopped fighters trying to enter from Afghanistan.
Now after the latest clash in Gulistan sector, tension between the two countries has increased once again. However, an official response from the Afghan Taliban regarding the latest incident is awaited.
