Afghan forces killed 15 Pakistani soldiers and captured three military outposts in retaliatory operations in Helmand province's Bahrampur district last night, according to Mawlawi Mohammad Qasim Riaz, spokesperson for the Helmand provincial government. Afghan forces also seized weapons and ammunition during the operations near the Durand Line, Riaz stated in a media briefing this morning. This development follows earlier reports from October 12th, 2025, detailing Pakistan's seizure of 19 Afghan posts. Videos circulating on social media from last night reportedly show Pakistani soldiers capturing US-made Humvee vehicles from Afghan Taliban border posts, with subsequent reports indicating the vehicles were burned. These captures are said to have occurred after Afghan Taliban forces fled their posts. The Helmand provincial government's claims of killing Pakistani soldiers and capturing outposts represent a significant escalation from the Afghan side in the ongoing cross-border conflict. The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has seen continuous heavy clashes along the Durand Line, with Pakistan initiating artillery strikes in retaliation for what it described as "unprovoked military aggression." The Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan has previously stated that if Afghanistan's privacy is violated again, their armed forces will be ready to defend the country and respond firmly. Prior to these Helmand operations, Pakistan had reported seizing 19 Afghan posts, with Afghan Taliban forces killed or having fled.
