Pakistan Launches Heavy Bombing in Intensified Offensive Against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan
According to claims made by Pakistan, the army has also installed barbed-wire fencing in several areas and established new military posts. The Pakistani military released drone footage asserting that it has strengthened its control over parts of Paktika Province in Afghanistan.
Shortly after the end of Eid al-Fitr, heavy fighting resumed along the Durand Line, the disputed border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. A temporary ceasefire that had been observed during the Eid celebrations reportedly collapsed as soon as the holiday ended, leading both sides to restart intense shelling and military attacks across the frontier.
Despite Pakistan claiming to play a mediating role in regional tensions such as the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States, clashes with Afghanistan have escalated again. According to Pakistani military claims, fresh strikes were launched against targets inside Afghanistan. The army has also released videos and photographs asserting that it has captured around 32 square kilometers of territory during the conflict that has been ongoing since February 22. These areas reportedly stretch from Balochistan to the border region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan further claimed that it has installed barbed-wire fencing in several locations and established new military posts to strengthen its presence along the border. The military also released drone footage claiming that it has consolidated its control in parts of Paktika Province in Afghanistan.
On the other hand, fighters associated with the Taliban in Afghanistan reportedly carried out retaliatory attacks against Pakistani positions. Their targets included Pakistani military outposts along the Kunar–Bajaur border region. Afghan artillery reportedly launched heavy bombardment, destroying several Pakistani military posts and leaving them in ruins. Images circulating online appear to show damaged or completely destroyed installations following the strikes.
The continuing escalation indicates that the conflict is far from easing and may intensify further. The underlying cause of the tensions lies in long-standing accusations between the two countries. Pakistan has repeatedly alleged that militant groups use Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. However, Afghanistan has strongly rejected these claims, describing them as Pakistan’s internal security problem.
In turn, Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out repeated cross-border airstrikes that target civilians within Afghan territory. Tensions reached a particularly critical point when Pakistan reportedly conducted strikes near Kabul, which Afghan sources claim resulted in the deaths of more than 400 people. Pakistan has previously conducted similar operations in residential areas, according to Afghan officials.
Although the Eid ceasefire briefly reduced violence, it proved short-lived. As soon as the holiday ended, hostilities resumed with renewed intensity from both sides. Analysts warn that if the escalation continues, the conflict could expand further. Some experts believe that Afghan forces may even consider crossing the border in retaliation and attempting to seize strategic positions inside Pakistan if the clashes continue to intensify.