Latest News
Afghan forces launch retaliatory strikes in eastern provinces amid rising tensions with Pakistan
Afghan defense officials emphasized that their forces remain on high alert and prepared to continue operations if necessary, saying regional security and territorial integrity remain their top priorities.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense says its forces carried out coordinated retaliatory strikes overnight in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Paktia and Khost, amid intensifying clashes with Pakistan along the disputed Durand Line.
In a statement, the ministry said units from the 203rd Mansouri Corps, 201st Corps and 205th Al-Badr Corps took part in the operations, describing the response as “intense and targeted.”
Officials said the strikes were conducted using what they termed advanced military equipment, including laser-guided systems.
According to the ministry, four enemy positions were seized during the operations. It also claimed that landmine explosions killed 32 Pakistani soldiers and wounded dozens more, while two drones were shot down and several military assets destroyed.
The figures could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate confirmation from Pakistani authorities.
Escalating border conflict
The latest operations come amid days of heavy fighting along the contested Durand Line, particularly near key crossings such as Torkham. The frontier has long been a source of friction between Kabul and Islamabad, with disputes over fencing, shelling and militant activity frequently sparking armed confrontations.
Recent clashes have reportedly forced civilians to flee districts in the vicinity, disrupting trade routes and raising fears of a broader military escalation between the two neighbors.
Government signals continued operations
Afghan defense officials emphasized that their forces remain on high alert and prepared to continue operations if necessary, saying regional security and territorial integrity remain their top priorities.
Analysts warn that without urgent diplomatic engagement, the cycle of retaliation risks deepening instability in eastern Afghanistan and straining already tense relations between Kabul and Islamabad.
Latest News
Six Pakistani soldiers killed in clashes with Afghan forces in Kandahar
Latest News
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Bayat Power is currently the country’s largest private electricity producer and operates Bayat Power-1, Afghanistan’s first modern gas-to-electricity plant.
Bayat Power has renewed its natural gas supply agreement with Afghan Gas, securing the continued production of 40 megawatts of electricity for the next ten years.
The extension ensures that power generated from domestic gas will continue to be distributed through the country’s power utility, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), supporting households and contributing to economic activity nationwide.
A senior official from Bayat Power, Haji Ismael, welcomed the agreement, stating:
“We are very pleased to witness today the extension of the gas purchase and sale contract with Afghan Gas Company.
“As you know, Bayat Power Company has been generating forty megawatts of electricity from gas in Sheberghan Province for several years, and it is distributed through Breshna Company. This process will continue for another ten years with the extension of the contract. I would like to thank Afghan Gas Company and its leadership” he said.
Ismael added that the agreement aligns with the company’s long-term vision of supporting Afghanistan’s development through reliable, locally generated energy.
Officials from Afghan Gas in Jawzjan reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a stable gas supply, noting that domestic energy production remains an important pillar for long-term stability and self-reliance.
Bayat Power’s facility in northern Afghanistan continues to play a key role in the country’s energy mix.
The renewed agreement follows a separate extension signed earlier this year between DABS and Bayat Power, which also secured power production for an additional ten years—reinforcing a key public-private partnership in Afghanistan’s energy sector.
Alongside the extension, the two sides signed a technical memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening operational cooperation.
Bayat Power is currently the country’s largest private electricity producer and operates Bayat Power-1, Afghanistan’s first modern gas-to-electricity plant. At the time of the earlier agreement, Chairman Ehsanullah Bayat said the company remains committed to delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity, while also exploring opportunities to expand production capacity.
The project itself represents a major milestone in Afghanistan’s energy development. Built as a public-private partnership, it brings together Bayat Power, Siemens Energy, Afghan government institutions—including the Ministries of Mines and Petroleum and Energy and Water—Afghan Gas, and DABS. The facility uses Siemens Energy’s advanced SGT-A45 mobile gas turbine, known for its efficiency and flexibility, and remains a cornerstone of the country’s push toward greater energy independence.
Overall, the renewed agreement is seen as a significant step toward strengthening domestic energy production, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting Afghanistan’s long-term economic development.
Latest News
IEA responds to Global Terrorism Index 2026, highlights security gains
The Islamic Emirate also stressed its commitment to fulfilling regional security responsibilities and maintaining long-term stability, vowing to preserve and further strengthen recent gains.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has responded to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index report, emphasizing what it described as a significant reduction in insecurity and continued progress toward nationwide stability.
In a statement, the authorities said Afghanistan is currently on a path toward consolidating lasting security, attributing the decline in violence to effective leadership and the efforts of security forces.
The statement noted that improved security conditions have created opportunities for economic growth, investment, and the implementation of major national and international infrastructure projects. Officials added that plans are underway to strengthen a secure investment environment, expand transit networks, and support the private sector.
The Islamic Emirate also stressed its commitment to fulfilling regional security responsibilities and maintaining long-term stability, vowing to preserve and further strengthen recent gains.
According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, Afghanistan ranks 11th among countries most affected by terrorism, compared to its previous position of ninth. Pakistan was ranked as the country most impacted by terrorism in the latest report.
Officials reiterated that sustained security improvements remain a top priority as the country seeks to build a more stable and economically viable future.
-
Latest News5 days agoPakistan ramps up deportations of Afghan refugees, rights group warns
-
Sport4 days agoKabul hosts international wrestling tournament, highlighting regional ties and unity
-
Regional5 days agoPakistan PM welcomes US-Iran ceasefire extension
-
Sport5 days agoIPL 2026: Sunrisers dominate Delhi Capital with record-breaking batsmen show
-
Latest News5 days agoKabul–Tehran call highlights growing ties and support for diplomatic solutions
-
Sport5 days agoATN secures five-year broadcast deal for Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League
-
Business5 days agoCASA-1000 power project on track to launch in 2027
-
Latest News5 days agoIEA ambassador, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister discuss Afghan refugee situation
