Afghan Forces Down Pakistani Fighter Jet Amid Escalating Border Tensions

KATHMANDU. Afghan security forces claimed on Saturday that a Pakistani fighter jet was shot down over the city of Jalalabad amid escalating military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and that its pilot was captured alive. The incident signals a deepening conflict between the two nations.

According to police spokesman Tayyab Hammad, the Pakistani fighter jet flying over administrative district number 6 in Jalalabad city was shot down by gunfire. "After the jet was downed, the pilot was captured alive," he said. The Afghan army spokesman in eastern Afghanistan, Wahidullah Mohammadi, also confirmed that Afghan forces shot down the jet and took the pilot into custody.

An AFP journalist reported hearing the loud sound of the jet over Jalalabad, followed by two powerful explosions from the direction of the city's airport. Security has been tightened around the scene.

When asked for comment on the matter, the Pakistani military and the Ministry of Information offered no immediate statement. Recent border skirmishes and airstrikes have strained relations between the two countries.

Previously, Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Friday in the Afghan capital Kabul and the southern city of Kandahar, which is considered the stronghold of Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. According to the Afghan side, the airstrikes followed the Afghan army's initiation of operations against Pakistan along the border area on Thursday night. The Taliban government, however, stated that the action was in response to a prior Pakistani attack on Afghan soil.

The new development has brought further uncertainty to regional security and signals that military activity between both sides may intensify.

Over 300 Afghan Soldiers Killed: Pakistan Claims

Meanwhile, Pakistan claimed that more than 300 Afghan soldiers were killed in a day-long artillery and airstrike operation inside Afghanistan, AP reported from Islamabad. According to government figures released on Saturday amid the growing border conflict, extensive damage was inflicted upon Afghan military outposts and installations.

According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, more than 331 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and over 500 wounded. Pakistan claimed to have destroyed 102 Afghan outposts, captured 22, and destroyed 163 tanks and armored vehicles in 37 locations. State media reported that the air force continued to strike key military targets in eastern Afghanistan.

This operation is a continuation of reciprocal counter-attacks following strikes targeting training camps of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan has accused the TTP of operating from Afghan soil, an accusation Kabul has consistently denied.

Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense, however, stated that they inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani military bases in the Miranshah and Spin Wam areas overnight. Afghan spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and warned that "every move by Pakistan will be responded to." Pakistan had previously reported 12 of its soldiers killed.

Officials in eastern Afghanistan alleged that at least 11 civilians were killed in Pakistani attacks. Pakistan, however, maintained that it only struck military targets and attempted to avoid civilian casualties.

The tensions have led to the displacement of hundreds of families residing near the Torkham border crossing. Some Afghan refugees have been stranded, unable to cross the border. Locals, already facing food shortages during the fasting month of Ramadan, have called for a ceasefire.

Dozens of soldiers and civilians have been killed in clashes ongoing since October. A ceasefire brokered by Qatar failed to hold permanently. Currently, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China are attempting mediation again. Qatar's Minister of State, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, has held talks with the foreign ministers of both countries regarding de-escalation.