Bhubaneswar, Feb. 27 -- Tensions escalated sharply along the disputed Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier on Thursday, with both sides claiming heavy casualties following cross-border military action.

The Afghan Ministry of National Defence said its forces carried out retaliatory strikes along the 2,611-kilometre boundary known as the Durand Line, alleging prior violations by Pakistani troops. Afghanistan has historically refused to formally recognise the colonial-era border demarcation.

In an official statement, the ministry said the operation began at 8:00 PM on the 9th of Ramadan (February 26). Kabul alleged that Pakistani forces had earlier crossed into Afghan territory, resulting in civilian deaths, including women and children.

Accordi...