Pakistan and Taliban forces clash on border, diplomacy intensifies
Fighting between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban forces has been going on for three days, raising the risk of a wider conflict in the region. This was reported by Reuters.
Against this backdrop, international actors have stepped up diplomatic efforts, calling on the parties to exercise restraint.
Details of the battles
Pakistan has launched air strikes on Taliban military targets in Kabul and Kandahar, one of Islamabad's deepest incursions in recent years.
Islamabad accuses the Afghan authorities of harbouring militants of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who carry out attacks inside Pakistan. «The Taliban denies these accusations.
Pakistan's defence minister called the situation an «open war», although the exact losses of the parties remain unconfirmed.
Diplomatic efforts
International contacts have intensified amid the escalation. The Afghan Foreign Minister held talks with his Saudi counterpart to reduce tensions.
The EU, the UN, Russia and China also called on the parties to exercise restraint and dialogue.
At the same time, the United States has declared its support for Pakistan's right to self-defence and does not consider it an aggressor in this situation.
Risks of escalation
Despite Pakistan's air superiority, Taliban forces have warned that the fighting could become protracted and costly for both sides.
Analysts say that further escalation on the 2,600-kilometre border could seriously destabilise the region.
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