KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Russia has called on Pakistan and the Taliban to exercise restraint following two days of deadly clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which have killed dozens and disrupted trade, marking the worst fighting in recent years.
In a statement on Tuesday, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Moscow has been monitoring the border tensions closely and welcomed reports that the situation is stabilizing.
“We eagerly look forward to the resumption of constructive dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan, two countries friendly to Russia, including on counter-terrorism and regional security issues,” Zakharova added.
Tensions rose on Thursday after the Taliban accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and the eastern province of Paktika, claims that Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied. Two days later, Taliban forces attacked Pakistani military outposts, prompting retaliatory gunfire, artillery, and drone strikes. Sporadic fighting continued into Sunday.
The two sides have reported differing casualties. Pakistan’s military said 23 of its soldiers were killed and claimed to have killed 200 Taliban and affiliated fighters, while the Taliban said its forces had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers.
Several regional countries, including China, Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have also urged both sides to exercise restraint and resolve their disputes through diplomacy. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “greatly values dialogue and diplomacy” but warned that “any further provocations would be met with an unwavering and befitting response.”
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Islamabad has accused the Taliban of allowing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan soil, a charges the Taliban deny.
