Afghanistan Reports Downing of Pakistani Jet and Capture of Pilot

The situation on the Afghan-Pakistani border has sharply escalated after a series of armed incidents, culminating in the alleged downing of a Pakistani fighter jet. Representatives of the Afghan Taliban announced that an aircraft belonging to the Pakistani Air Force was shot down in the area of Jalalabad. According to the Afghan side, the pilot survived the crash and was captured by local security forces. Islamabad immediately issued a statement denying these reports, calling them a provocation aimed at fueling conflict. In the background of the dispute lies the historically contentious Durand Line, which for decades has been a source of conflict between the two states. The current escalation is a direct result of mutual accusations of supporting terrorist groups and violating territorial integrity. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring fighters from the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), who carry out attacks on Pakistani territory. In response, Pakistani forces have conducted strikes on targets in Afghanistan in recent days, which has met with a sharp armed response from Kabul. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been tense since Pakistan's independence in 1947, mainly due to Kabul's non-recognition of the colonial border drawn by the British.The international community is watching developments with concern, fearing the outbreak of a full-scale war in a region already destabilized by crises in Iran and the Middle East. The Council of the European Union has called on both countries for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomatic channels. The United States, while appealing for restraint, has declared support for Pakistan's right to self-defense against terrorist attacks. Analysts emphasize that while open conflict is not in the interest of either side, the dynamics of border clashes could lead to an uncontrolled eruption of large-scale fighting. „This is a totally false claim. None of our aircraft has been downed, and no pilot is missing.” — Representative of the Pakistani government Despite Islamabad's denials, two strong explosions were reported in Jalalabad, and plumes of smoke were seen over the city. The situation remains extremely uncertain, and both sides are amassing forces in border regions. Pakistan's refusal to engage in dialogue until attacks cease suggests a quick calming of tensions is unlikely in the near future. The coming hours will be crucial in determining whether information about the captured pilot is confirmed by visual evidence, which could completely change the diplomatic situation.