Did 58 Pakistani Soldiers Die in Retaliatory Action?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced the deaths of 58 Pakistani soldiers during a retaliatory operation by Afghan forces. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict along the Durand Line, raising concerns about regional stability and the influence of ISIS-K in the area. Can dialogue resolve these escalating tensions?
Key Takeaways
- 58 Pakistani soldiers were reported killed in a Taliban operation.
- Operation was in response to Pakistani airstrikes.
- 20 Pakistani security outposts were destroyed.
- Mujahid claimed ISIS-K is active in Pakistan.
- Afghanistan's leadership calls for diplomatic solutions.
Kabul, Oct 12 (NationPress) The chief spokesman of the Taliban regime, Zabihullah Mujahid, reported on Sunday that 58 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives and 30 others sustained injuries during a retaliatory operation executed by Afghan forces along the Durand Line.
He indicated that 20 Pakistani security outposts were obliterated, and numerous weapons were confiscated during the operation on Saturday night.
“Nine Afghan soldiers also made the ultimate sacrifice, with 16 others injured, while 20 Pakistani security outposts were destroyed,” Mujahid stated.
He mentioned that military actions were suspended at midnight following appeals from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as reported by Afghanistan-based Tolo News.
Mujahid further claimed that after the defeat of ISIS-K in Afghanistan, the group began establishing its bases in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Training centers for ISIS-K have been set up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with recruits being flown in via Karachi and Islamabad airports. Our investigations suggest that the attacks in Iran and Moscow were orchestrated from these centers,” he asserted.
He alleged that recent ISIS-K attacks in Afghanistan stemmed from these bases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and urged the Pakistani government to extradite key ISIS-K members to Kabul.
The Taliban spokesperson noted that Pakistan had sought to send a delegation to Afghanistan; however, the Taliban regime declined the request in light of airstrikes launched by Pakistan on Thursday night (October 9).
In retaliation to Thursday’s airstrikes, Afghan forces initiated an operation against Pakistani forces along the disputed Durand Line on Saturday. Mujahid warned that any infringement of Afghanistan's sovereignty would be met with a response.
Following Pakistan's airstrikes on Kabul and Paktika, the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence condemned these strikes, labeling them a “violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty,” according to Tolo News.
Enayatullah Khwarazmi, spokesperson for the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence, stated, “This is an unprecedented act of violence and hatred in the history of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We vehemently condemn this aggression against Afghanistan’s territory. Defending our sovereignty is our right.”
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, currently visiting India, issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding its actions.
He advised Islamabad against attributing its internal issues to Kabul, stating, “We view Pakistan's actions as a significant mistake. Such issues cannot be resolved through force. History shows that coercion and violence never prosper in Afghanistan. We have extended an opportunity for dialogue and understanding; this error should not recur. Do not test the patience of Afghans; those who have gamed with Afghanistan learned from the British, Russians, Americans, and NATO.”
Point of View
Our commitment remains with the nation. The alarming reports of casualties highlight the fragility of the situation along the Durand Line. It is crucial for diplomatic channels to remain open to prevent further escalation and to address the underlying issues that fuel this conflict.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason behind the Taliban's operation?
The Taliban's operation was a retaliatory measure against Pakistani airstrikes, leading to significant casualties among Pakistani soldiers.
How many soldiers were reported killed?
According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the operation.
What impact could this have on regional stability?
The incident may exacerbate tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, potentially leading to further conflict in the region.
What role does ISIS-K play in this situation?
Mujahid claims that ISIS-K has established bases in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is orchestrating attacks from there.
Are there any calls for dialogue between the two nations?
Yes, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding to resolve these issues.
