In the current climate, Pakistan and Afghanistan are engaged in escalating skirmishes. Taliban fighters have crossed the Durand Line, bombarding Pakistani checkpoints. Recently, news emerged that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) captured a Pakistani military post. However, the Pakistani army has issued a statement regarding this incident.
A video of TTP taking over a Pakistani outpost on the Afghan border has been circulating widely on social media. Allegedly, this video was released by TTP themselves. In response, a senior Pakistani military official clarified that the outpost was evacuated shortly before the attack.
The official stated that military personnel were relocated from there, not only from Bajaur but also from outposts in North and South Waziristan.
In the viral video, Taliban fighters can be seen celebrating with weapons at the Pakistani post, replacing the national flag with the TTP banner.
Why is the Conflict Intensifying Between Afghan Taliban and Pakistani Forces?
The tensions between Pakistani forces and Afghan fighters have intensified since Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) recently killed 30 Pakistani soldiers in the Makki area of Waziristan. In retaliation, Pakistan launched airstrikes to signal intolerance towards the killing of its soldiers.
The Afghan Taliban possess extensive weaponry and the ability to hide in challenging terrains. Their stockpile includes modern weapons like AK-47s, mortars, and rocket launchers. They launch attacks from mountains and caves unknown to Pakistani forces.
The Shehbaz Sharif government is already facing challenges like economic crises, delays in the CPEC project, and separatism in Balochistan. These issues have weakened both the government and military, and now conflict with the Taliban has exacerbated the crisis.
How Powerful is the Taliban?
According to a report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Taliban currently command 150,000 active fighters. After taking power in Afghanistan, they established the army under special forces and eight infantry corps, forming three battalions.
The Taliban draw manpower from tribes in tribal areas, supported by radical religious institutions and seminaries. More significantly, the covert assistance from the Pakistani military and ISI aids the Taliban. American intelligence assessments indicate that Afghanistan's government dominance could end within six months of the US military's withdrawal, paving the way for Taliban rule.
