Amid increasing tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, recent reports indicate a rise in border clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border troops.
Media reports suggest that the skirmishes occurred in the border area of Park Spin Ghar in the Zazi Aryob district.
The clash occurred on Monday, May 13, following Pakistan’s airstrike on Paktika, as reported by Afghanistan International.
Earlier reports from Afghanistan suggested that the Taliban called off the travel of a Pakistani military delegation to Kandahar due to Pakistan’s airstrikes and missile attacks on Paktika last Thursday.
Initially planned for Sunday, May 12, a Pakistani military delegation was set to travel from Rawalpindi to Kandahar. However, the Taliban canceled this delegation’s travel, citing “weather conditions” as the main reason for the cancellation, though the primary factor was the airstrikes on Paktika on Friday.
Pakistan’s historical and complex relationship with the Taliban, marked by strategic interests and historical ties, has seen challenges since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan. One significant point of contention is the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil, which Pakistan views as a security threat due to cross-border attacks.
The emergence of ISIS-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) in Afghanistan has further strained relations. The Taliban allege that Pakistan employs ISIS against Kabul and supports their activities to destabilize Afghanistan and the region, although Pakistani officials deny these claims.
Border issues have escalated tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. Disputes over border management, including the fencing of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, have led to diplomatic friction and occasional clashes between border forces.
Additionally, the influx of Afghan refugees into Pakistan remains a contentious issue, with Pakistan urging the Taliban to address the humanitarian and security challenges posed by the refugee population.
May 14, 2024
Source: Khaama Press