ISLAMABAD – Pakistani security forces successfully repulsed a “cowardly attack” launched by the Afghan Taliban at four locations in the Spin Boldak area of Balochistan, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported on Wednesday. The fierce response resulted in the deaths of an estimated 15 to 20 Afghan Taliban members, with many more injured.
The ISPR statement detailed that the attacks occurred in the early hours of Wednesday and were orchestrated through divided villages in the area, showing “no regard for civil population.”
In a clear display of hostile intent, the Afghan Taliban also reportedly destroyed the Pak-Afghan Friendship Gate on their side of the border, an act the ISPR said “clearly displays the mindset with regards to mutual trade and easement rights of the divided tribes.”
The Spin Boldak incident follows another major border skirmish the previous night (October 14-15), where Afghan Taliban and elements described by the ISPR as “Fitna Al Khwarij” (a term often used for the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan or TTP) attempted assaults on Pakistani border posts in the Kurram sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistani forces effectively repulsed those attacks as well, destroying eight enemy posts, including six tanks, and killing an estimated 25 to 30 fighters.
The Pakistani military firmly rejected “outrageous and blatant lies” from the Afghan side that claimed Pakistan had initiated the fighting or that Afghan forces had captured Pakistani posts or equipment.
The ISPR reaffirmed the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces to “defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan,” cautioning that “all acts of aggression against Pakistan will be responded to with full force.”
The escalating tensions come amid a breakdown in relations between Islamabad and the Taliban regime in Kabul, following repeated accusations by Pakistan that its neighbour is failing to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan. The situation remains fluid, with reports suggesting further buildup in staging points on the Afghan side of the border.
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