Pakistani, Afghan Forces Trade Heavy Fire at Border
Mosharraf Zaidi, the Pakistani prime minister's spokesperson for foreign media, wrote on X that the Afghan Taliban administration "initiated unprovoked firing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border in Torkham & Tirah sub-sectors."
He stated that Islamabad's security forces responded "immediately & effectively," warning that "any further provocation will be responded to immediately and severely."
Prior to that statement, a Pakistani official disclosed to media that mortar fire and gunfire were traded across border areas encompassing Wragha, Maro Sar, Shahkot, and Zakhakhel. The confrontation erupted in the late afternoon and continued for roughly two hours, the official noted, adding: "No casualty (reported) from Pakistani side so far, however, there are reports of five casualties on Afghan side."
Kabul, however, offered a starkly different account. Taliban official Zabihullah Norani posted on X that Pakistani forces opened fire toward the Shahkot area of Nazyan district in Nangarhar province, prompting a response. He maintained that hostilities had since ceased and that "there were no casualties on the Afghan side."
Tuesday's confrontation follows Pakistan's announcement on Sunday that it launched airstrikes targeting seven "terrorist camps and hideouts" inside Afghan territory in response to a series of recent attacks. Islamabad claimed at least 70 militants were killed in those strikes — a figure Afghan authorities disputed, insisting civilians bore the brunt of the assault and vowing retaliation.
The border flare-up reflects a broader and worsening security crisis. Pakistan has recorded a sharp uptick in terrorist activity in recent years, largely attributed to the Pakistani Taliban and proscribed Baloch separatist factions. Islamabad continues to allege that the Pakistani Taliban operates from Afghan soil — an accusation the Taliban-led government in Kabul has consistently and firmly rejected.
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