Dozens killed in Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes, border closed

Afghanistan claims 58 Pakistani soldiers killed-Pakistan says over 200 Taliban, allies eliminated

- Ekamjit Singh Brar

Dozens of fighters were killed in overnight border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, both sides said on Sunday, in the most serious fighting between the neighbours since the Taliban came to power in Kabul.

The Pakistan military said that 23 of its soldiers were killed in the clashes. The Taliban said nine on its side were killed.

Tensions have risen after Islamabad demanded the Taliban take action against militants who have stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operate from havens in Afghanistan. The Taliban, which came to power in 2021, denies that Pakistani militants are present on its soil. Each side said it inflicted far higher casualties on the other side, without providing evidence. Pakistan said it had killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban and allied fighters, while Afghanistan said that it had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers. Reuters was not able to independently verify the figures. On Thursday, Pakistan which they said showed Afghan posts being hit.