In a significant escalation of cross-border tensions, the Taliban claimed on Sunday, December 28, that it had targeted several points across the Pakistani border, as reported by Al Jazeera. These retaliatory strikes come in the wake of Pakistan&#39s air force bombings on Afghan soil earlier this week, marking another chapter in the fraught relationship between the two nations.Taliban&#39s statement on the attacksAlthough the Taliban did not directly name Pakistan, their statement referred to strikes carried out beyond the hypothetical line—a term often used by Afghan authorities to describe the Durand Line, the disputed border separating Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Taliban does not recognize this line as the legitimate boundary between the two countries.Several points beyond the hypothetical line, serving as centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organized and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan, were targeted in retaliation from the southeastern direction of the country, a Taliban statement declared.When questioned if the hypothetical line referred to Pakistan, Taliban spokesperson Enayatullah Khowarazmi remarked, We do not consider it to be the territory of Pakistan, therefore, we cannot confirm the territory, but it was on the other side of the hypothetical line. No casualties were reported on either side, according to Al Jazeera.Strained relations between Pakistan and the TalibanHistorically, Pakistan has played a pivotal role in the rise and sustenance of the Taliban. From active support during the groups formation to facing accusations of harboring its leaders, Pakistan has long been intertwined with the Talibans activities. However, since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, relations have cooled.The Taliban regime has displayed a willingness to reduce its reliance on Pakistan, contradicting Islamabad&#39s initial optimism about stronger bilateral ties. The recent attacks signal growing discord, with the Taliban asserting its independence while countering Pakistans aggressive postures.
