Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations

"Afghanistan said Sunday it killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, in response to what it called repeated violations of its territory and airspace. Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of bombing the capital, Kabul, and a market in the country's east. Pakistan did not claim responsibility for the assault. The Taliban government's chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Afghan forces have captured 25 Pakistani army posts, 58 soldiers have been killed, and 30 others wounded."

""The situation on all official borders and de facto lines of Afghanistan is under complete control, and illegal activities have been largely prevented," Mujahid told a press conference in Kabul. There was no immediate confirmation from Pakistan about casualties. Pakistan has previously struck locations inside Afghanistan, targeting what it alleges are militant hideouts, but these have been in remote and mountainous areas. The two sides have also skirmished along the border in the past. Saturday night's heavy clashes underscore the deepening tensions."

Afghan forces reported killing 58 Pakistani soldiers and wounding 30 during overnight border operations, and said they captured 25 Pakistani army posts. Afghan authorities earlier accused Pakistan of bombing Kabul and an eastern market; Pakistan did not claim responsibility. The Taliban government's Defense Ministry described the actions as retaliatory and successful and warned that armed forces are prepared to defend territorial integrity and respond strongly to further violations. Major border crossings including Torkham and Chaman were closed, leaving travelers and Afghan refugees turned away. An Associated Press reporter heard jets over Spin Boldak and saw smoke after an explosion, underscoring rising tensions.

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