Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have exploded into one of the deadliest cross-border clashes since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, leaving dozens dead and prompting international concern—including from US President Donald Trump, who has vowed to “solve” the crisis.

Fighting broke out late Saturday when Taliban forces launched attacks on Pakistani military posts along the 2,600 km border, prompting heavy retaliation. Artillery, guns, and drones were deployed through the night, with sporadic fighting continuing into Sunday. Pakistan reported 23 soldiers killed, while the Taliban confirmed nine deaths, though both sides claim far higher casualties on the other.

The violence followed a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul last week that reportedly targeted the leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban. Afghan officials said the Taliban’s attacks were a direct response to what they described as Pakistan’s violation of Afghan airspace.

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The Roots of the Conflict

Formed in 2007, the TTP is an alliance of radical jihadist factions sharing ethnic Pashtun roots with the Afghan Taliban. Modeled on its Afghan counterpart, the group adopted an even more extreme ideology inspired by al Qaeda. Over the years, the TTP has carried out devastating attacks across Pakistan—including the 2014 Peshawar school massacre that killed more than 130 children—before being largely driven into Afghanistan by military operations.

Since the Taliban seized Kabul in 2021, relations between Islamabad and the new Afghan government have deteriorated rapidly. Pakistan initially celebrated the Taliban’s victory, assuming it would stabilize its western border. However, Islamabad now accuses the Taliban of harboring the TTP, which Pakistan says is responsible for a sharp rise in terrorist attacks inside its territory. The Taliban denies the allegation.

Regional Tensions and India’s Role

Adding to Islamabad’s unease are growing ties between Afghanistan and India. Pakistani officials allege New Delhi is supporting the TTP and working against Pakistan in coordination with the Taliban government—claims India strongly denies. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s current visit to India, during which relations were upgraded, has only deepened Islamabad’s suspicions.

Trump’s Reaction

As the situation escalated, US President Donald Trump commented on the conflict while en route to the Middle East. “I hear there’s a war now going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he said. “It’ll have to wait till I get back. You know, I’m doing another one, because I’m good at solving wars.”

For now, hostilities have paused, but the fragile calm sits atop decades of mistrust, militancy, and geopolitical rivalries—leaving open the possibility that the border could flare again at any moment.

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