KABUL: Heavy cross-border fighting erupted between Afghan and Pakistani forces on Saturday night, following a sharp increase in bilateral tensions along their frontier.

The Afghan administration confirmed launching “retaliatory operations,” stating the action was in response to Pakistan’s alleged violation of Afghan airspace and the bombing of a civilian market near the border on Thursday.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister condemned the Afghan actions as an “unprovoked” targeting of civilians and vowed a forceful military response.

The exchange, which involved small arms and artillery in the Kunar-Kurram area, reportedly started around 10:15 PM NPT on Saturday (22:15), which corresponds to approximately 9:45 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).

The conflict is rooted in Islamabad’s accusation that the Afghan government harbors militants from the anti-Pakistan group, the TTP.

The military clashes occurred as the Afghan Foreign Minister was conducting a high-profile visit to India, prompting regional allies to call for restraint.