RASC News Agency: Russia has voiced deep concern over the escalating border clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces, urging both sides to resolve their disputes through constructive dialogue. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, called on the parties on Sunday, December 29, to seek peaceful solutions to the ongoing tensions. “We urge all involved to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful discussions to resolve their disagreements amicably,” Zakharova stated.
This call comes in the wake of retaliatory Taliban attacks on Pakistani border posts following airstrikes conducted by Pakistan’s military in the Bermal district of Paktika province. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for killing more than 20 Pakistani soldiers during these counterattacks. However, Pakistani media reported one fatality and 11 injuries among their troops. Pakistani security officials further stated that eight Taliban fighters were killed in a counteroffensive.
While border skirmishes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces occur intermittently, Pakistan’s aerial strikes on Afghanistan soil have exacerbated tensions. Initially regarded as Pakistan’s strategic asset to secure “strategic depth” in Afghanistan, the Taliban were expected to solidify Islamabad’s influence in the region. However, the involvement of global intelligence entities particularly from India and the West has disrupted this narrative. Consequently, Pakistan is now experiencing unprecedented instability stemming from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Thousands of militants affiliated with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are reportedly operating from Afghanistan territory, enjoying financial, political, and intelligence backing from the Afghanistani Taliban. This development has further strained Pakistan’s security landscape, highlighting the complex and deteriorating dynamics between the two sides.
