Pakistan bombs Kabul, Kandahar among other Afghan cities, Taliban claims 55 soldiers killed
Local media reported that Afghan forces also shot down a Pakistani aircraft that allegedly entered Afghan airspace in response to the strikes.
PTC News Desk: At least 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border clashes, according to authorities of the Taliban in Afghanistan, after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and other areas, marking a major escalation between the two neighbours.
Local media reported that Afghan forces also shot down a Pakistani aircraft that allegedly entered Afghan airspace in response to the strikes. Residents in Kabul reported hearing explosions and aircraft early Friday, shortly after Taliban officials claimed their forces had taken control of military bases and positions along the disputed Durand Line.
Pakistan rejected the Taliban’s casualty figures and instead claimed it had caused significant losses to Afghan fighters. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia.
In an official statement, Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defense said the military operation began at 8 pm on Thursday, corresponding with the 9th of Ramadan, after what it described as a Pakistani border violation that killed women and children. The ministry said Afghan forces launched coordinated counterattacks in eastern and southeastern regions along the border, including areas near Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan.