How the Afghan Taliban Armed Themselves During Border Clashes with Pakistan

In Afghanistan, clashes between the interim Taliban government and Pakistan continued for several days before a ceasefire was reached, first in Doha and later reaffirmed in Istanbul. Throughout the confrontation, both sides demonstrated their military strength along the border — while also revealing key weaknesses.

During the conflict, Pakistan’s military employed missiles, artillery, and air power to strike Taliban positions. The Taliban government, on the other hand, relied primarily on guerrilla-style operations, using light weapons and local support networks to defend border areas.

Light Weapons and Guerrilla Tactics

Videos circulating on Afghan social media showed Taliban fighters carrying rifles and launching attacks on Pakistani military outposts. One widely shared clip from Spin Boldak district in Kandahar — near the Durand Line — captured a fighter shouting, “Wala ya Maulvi Sahib!” during a nighttime skirmish. The phrase quickly spread online, becoming a slogan among Taliban supporters and symbolizing resistance during the nine-day border fighting.

From Insurgency to Organized Force?

The spread of such footage sparked debate within Afghanistan about whether the Taliban had evolved from an insurgent group into a structured national army. However, analysts note that the Taliban’s tactics still draw heavily on their long experience in guerrilla warfare — a strategy refined during nearly two decades of combat against U.S., NATO, and former Afghan government forces.

Strengths and Shortcomings

While the Taliban’s familiarity with difficult terrain and their decentralized networks give them agility in battle, the clashes also exposed their limitations. The lack of modern air defense, heavy artillery, and coordinated command structures leaves them vulnerable to Pakistan’s superior firepower.

The recent border fighting demonstrated both sides’ military capabilities — Pakistan’s advanced weaponry and the Taliban’s persistent reliance on guerrilla warfare. Yet it also underscored the challenges facing the Taliban as they attempt to transform from a guerrilla movement into a conventional state military force.