MoD confirms retaliatory strikes on centres across Durand Line

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Saturday that retaliatory strikes have been launched on several points and centres across the Durand Line, from where attacks against Afghanistan had been organised.

In a statement on X, Inayatullah Khwarazmi, the MoD spokesman, clarified, “Several points beyond the assumed lines, where attacks in Afghanistan were organised and coordinated from the hideaways, centres, and supporters of malicious elements, were targeted in retaliation from the southern side of the country.”

A reliable government source in Khost, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that both light and heavy weaponry were used in the clash, which appeared to be a retaliatory strike.

The source added that there were no reported casualties on the Afghan side, but casualties were possible on the Pakistani side. By 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, the situation was reported to have returned to normal.

Wali Khan, a resident of Dabagi village in Ali Sher district of Khost, said, “At around 3:30 a.m. on Friday, fighting erupted between the two sides in the areas of Sadiqo, Dabgai, and Zikarkhil in Ali Sher district. The clash continued until 5:00 a.m., and hundreds of families fled the area.”

Noori Afghan, a resident of Sadiqo village, confirmed the fighting lasted until morning, adding, “The clashes have stopped, but the people of Landro, Sadiqo, Qadam, Zakarkhel, and Kotkai have fled the area, facing severe difficulties.”

The clash comes three days after Pakistan conducted airstrikes on the Bermal district of Paktika, killing at least 52 people and injuring 40, according to Afghan officials.

Most of the victims were women and children, including local residents and displaced people from Waziristan. In response to the airstrikes, the Ministry of Defence had vowed to retaliate.

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