Taliban Signals ‘Suicide Squad’ Deployment after Pakistani Strikes

The escalating conflict between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban has taken a new turn after Taliban-linked media signaled the deployment of what it described as a battalion of suicide attackers following Pakistani air and ground strikes.

Afghanistan’s state-run Bakhtar News Agency in Nangarhar shared an image it said showed a “suicide squad” prepared for operations. Quoting an Afghan security source, the agency reported that the bombers were equipped with explosive vests and car bombs and were ready to strike major targets.

The announcement followed Pakistani strikes on Taliban posts, headquarters and ammunition depots in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, according to statements carried by PTV News. Islamabad has described the military action as a response to what it called “unprovoked Afghan attacks.”

“Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you (Afghanistan)," Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said in a post on ‘X’.

Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said intensive offensive and retaliatory operations were underway along the Durand Line in Paktia, Paktika and Khost. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Pakistani forces carried out air strikes in multiple provinces.

The reported mobilization of suicide attackers signals a potential shift toward asymmetric retaliation if cross-border hostilities continue. Both sides have reported heavy casualties in recent clashes, though the figures remain unverified.

Pakistan has declared the confrontation an “open war,” raising concerns that the conflict along the 2,600-km frontier could widen if retaliatory attacks expand beyond border posts and military installations.