KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) \u2014 Afghanistan said Sunday it killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, in response to what it called repeated violations of its territory and airspace.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of bombing the capital, Kabul<\/a>, and a market in the country\u2019s east. Pakistan did not claim responsibility for the assault.<\/p>\n The Taliban government\u2019s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Afghan forces have captured 25 Pakistani army posts, 58 soldiers have been killed, and 30 others wounded.<\/p>\n \u201cThe situation on all official borders and de facto lines of Afghanistan is under complete control, and illegal activities have been largely prevented,\u201d Mujahid told a press conference in Kabul. There was no immediate confirmation from Pakistan about casualties. <\/p>\n Pakistan has previously struck locations<\/a> inside Afghanistan, targeting what it alleges are militant hideouts, but these have been in remote and mountainous areas. <\/p>\n The two sides have also skirmished<\/a> along the border. But Saturday night\u2019s heavy clashes underscore the deepening security tensions.<\/p>\n The Taliban government\u2019s Defense Ministry said early Sunday morning its forces had conducted \u201cretaliatory and successful operations\u201d along the border.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the opposing side again violates Afghanistan\u2019s territorial integrity, our armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation\u2019s borders and will deliver a strong response,\u201d the ministry added. <\/p>\n The Torkham border<\/a> crossing, one of two main trade routes between the two countries, did not open on Sunday at its usual time of 8 am. The crossing at Chaman was also closed.<\/p>\n Pakistan accuses Afghan authorities of harboring members of the banned group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan<\/a>. Islamabad says the group carries out deadly attacks inside Pakistan, but Kabul denies the charge, saying it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries.<\/p>\n Before the Afghan claim of casualties, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault and said the country\u2019s army \u201cnot only gave a befitting reply to Afghanistan\u2019s provocations but also destroyed several of their posts, forcing them to retreat.\u201d <\/p>\n The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement late Saturday, calling for \u201crestraint, avoidance of escalation and the adoption of dialogue and wisdom to help de-escalate tensions and maintain the security and stability of the region.\u201d<\/p>\n