ISLAMABAD: Border clashes over the weekend between Afghanistan and Pakistan led to the deaths of dozens of soldiers, the most serious clash between the two countries since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021, and gained the attention of US President Donald Trump. By Monday, the exchange of fire had ceased.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Late on Saturday, Taliban forces attacked Pakistani military posts along the length of the 2,600 km (1,600 miles) border, with Pakistani forces later retaliating. Guns, artillery and drones exchanged fire into the early hours of Sunday. Some sporadic fighting continued on Sunday. Pakistan said 23 of its soldiers died and the Taliban said nine of its men were killed, though both sides claimed to have inflicted far higher damage on the other.
WHAT CAUSED THE FIGHTING?
Pakistan carried out an air strike on the Afghan capital of Kabul last week, which targeted the head of the Pakistani Taliban militant group, according to Pakistani security officials. It is not clear if he survived. The Taliban said its Saturday attack was in response to the violation of Afghan airspace.
