Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has reacted to the border clashes that erupted between Pakistani and Afghan forces on Saturday.
Moscow is worried over the escalation of tensions on the Pakistani-Afghan border and urges both sides to show restraint and engage in constructive dialogue Zakharova said in a commentary.
“Moscow is concerned over the escalation of tensions on the Pakistani-Afghan border where not only the military but also civilians perish in shootouts. We are calling on the sides involved to show restraint and engage in constructive dialogue, aiming to peacefully resolve all differences,” the diplomat emphasized, TASS reported.
This comes after the Ministry of National Defense said on Saturday it has attacked “centers and hideouts of evil elements and their supporters” across the Durand Line.
“Several points across the hypothetical line including centers and hideouts of evil elements and their supporters from where attacks were organized in Afghanistan were attacked in revenge from the southeast of the country,” the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, sources said that retaliatory attacks across the Durand Line began last night from Alisher district of Khost province and Dand Patan district of Paktia province and continued until morning.
According to sources, light and heavy weapons were used in the clashes.
Earlier, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Paktika’s Barmal district on Tuesday, killing and wounding dozens of people.
The Ministry of National Defense of Afghanistan had warned that the attacks would not go unanswered.
