Russia has expressed concern over escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated: The clashes in this region are claiming the lives of not only military personnel but also civilians.
Zakharova called on both the Taliban and Pakistan to exercise “restraint” and prevent further escalation of the conflict through negotiations. Her remarks follow Pakistan’s airstrikes in Paktika province and retaliatory attacks by the Taliban. The Taliban have claimed that the strikes targeted areas “beyond the Durand Line” against “malicious elements and their supporters.”
Both sides allege significant casualties on the other. Reports suggest that 19 Pakistani soldiers were killed in these clashes; however, the Pakistani government has dismissed these claims.
