Kabul, Feb 27 (NationPress) In a series of retaliatory strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Afghan forces successfully killed a minimum of 55 Pakistani soldiers and seized control of two bases along with 19 military posts, as confirmed by the Afghan Ministry of National Defence on Friday.

This military action occurs amidst rising tensions in the border area.

The Ministry reported that these strikes were conducted on Thursday night, serving as a response to Pakistan’s military actions that resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. The Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military positions predominantly located in the eastern and southeastern parts across the Durand Line.

During the course of the four-hour engagement, Afghan forces not only eliminated 55 Pakistani soldiers but also captured several others, with many more fleeing from four additional posts. The Ministry noted that two Pakistani military bases and 19 posts were destroyed in this operation.

The statement further revealed that Afghan forces confiscated numerous light and heavy weapons, ammunition, and military supplies. Additionally, they destroyed an enemy tank and captured a sizable military transport vehicle.

Reports indicate that the operation resulted in the deaths of 8 Afghan soldiers and injuries to 11 others. Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that 13 Afghan civilians, including women and children, sustained injuries due to a missile strike from Pakistani forces targeting a refugee camp in the Nangarhar province.

The Taliban has condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan, labeling them as a 'shameful act' and indicating the likelihood of a military response. They asserted that Islamabad was attacking civilians rather than militants.

In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, "Naturally, it would be a military response, but its details are confidential, and I cannot explain further. Pakistan must receive a response for its shameful act."

On February 22, Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence accused the Pakistani military of carrying out deadly airstrikes in residential areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, claiming several civilian lives. Islamabad asserts its actions were aimed at militant groups threatening Pakistan.

Mujahid reported that a family of 22 in Nangarhar was struck, resulting in 17 fatalities and 5 injuries. He noted that a child was hurt when a school was hit and that several buildings were damaged.

"There were no armed individuals there. Only civilians were injured and killed, and civilian areas were targeted," Mujahid emphasized.

He also refuted Pakistan’s claims that Afghan territory was being used for attacks against neighboring nations, stating, "Whenever attacks occur inside Pakistan, they immediately attribute them to Afghanistan without evidence and accuse us. We reject this. Afghan soil is not allowed to be used against anyone," he conveyed to Al Arabiya English.