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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.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, says Afghan defense forces repelled repeated airspace violations over Kabul on Saturday night by the Pakistani military, assuring the public that the security situation in the capital remains stable.
Mujahid confirmed that Afghan air-defense units targeted incoming aircraft, saying: “Air defence attacks were carried out in Kabul against Pakistani aircraft. Kabul residents should not be concerned.”
Amid rising military tensions between the Islamic Emirate and Pakistan, senior officials in Afghanistan warned that the nation is fully capable of responding to any form of aggression.
Hayatullah Muhajir Farahi, Deputy Minister of Publication at the Ministry of Information and Culture, stated: “The enemies of Afghanistan must understand that Afghans now have the ability to respond decisively to any act of aggression.”
International Sports
FIFA calls for ‘all teams to participate’ in 2026 World Cup amid US–Iran conflict
The developments come just months before Iran is due to travel to the United States for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström says the governing body remains committed to having every qualified nation compete at the 2026 World Cup, despite escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.
The U.S. carried out missile attacks on Iran on Saturday and Sunday, with US President Donald Trump describing the operation as a “major combat mission.” Iran responded with strikes on US air bases in the Gulf, including facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
The developments come just months before Iran is due to travel to the United States for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
Iran was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Team Melli is scheduled to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, followed by a third in Seattle on June 26.
Speaking at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, Grafström said FIFA is closely monitoring the situation but remains focused on ensuring the tournament proceeds safely and inclusively.
“I read the news this morning the same way you did,” Grafström said. “It is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.
“Our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating. We will continue to communicate with the three host governments as we always do. Everybody will be safe.”
However, questions remain about Iran’s participation due to US travel restrictions. Iran is among 19 countries included in a travel ban announced by the Trump administration in June last year, potentially complicating entry for Iranian citizens.
In December, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj warned that some national team players and staff could face visa denials because of prior military service. Several players have served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the US government designates as a foreign terrorist organization.
The U.S. State Department has not ruled out the possibility that certain Iranian players could be denied visas, adding further uncertainty to Iran’s path to the 2026 tournament.
Latest News
UNSC to convene meeting on Afghanistan in March 9
NAMA said council members will also meet again on March 17 to review the mandate and ongoing activities of the mission in Afghanistan.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to convene a meeting on Afghanistan on March 9, according to an announcement by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
In a statement released Sunday, UNAMA said council members will also meet again on March 17 to review the mandate and ongoing activities of the mission in Afghanistan.
The mission did not provide additional details about the agenda or who will brief the council during the upcoming sessions.
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