The Taliban has escalated tensions with Pakistan by launching retaliatory strikes against Pakistani border posts in response to what they deemed 'unprovoked fire' from Afghan forces. Reports indicate that the situation has intensified after Pakistan conducted air strikes targeting suspected Taliban positions over the weekend. Islamabad has consistently accused the Afghan Taliban of providing refuge to Pakistani Taliban leaders who orchestrate attacks within Pakistan's borders, a claim that the Afghan Taliban has denied, leading to growing friction between the two countries.

In addition to the strikes, the border forces from both nations have engaged in a series of clashes, notably following the Taliban's counter-offensive which resulted in over two hours of fighting. The confrontation reportedly began when Afghan forces opened fire on Pakistani military posts located in the mountainous north-west of Pakistan, prompting Pakistani troops to retaliate. Both sides claim to have inflicted significant damage on each other's positions during this recent escalation of hostilities.

This latest episode underscores the fragile and volatile nature of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, especially in the context of the ongoing activities of militant groups in the region. As the Taliban consolidates its power in Afghanistan, the cross-border dynamics with Pakistan's own Taliban faction are becoming increasingly fraught, raising concerns about the stability and security of the border areas, as well as the potential for further escalations in violence if diplomatic resolutions are not pursued promptly.