Islamabad, 15 October (H.S.): Intense fighting erupted once again along the volatile Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Tuesday night, as Pakistani security forces retaliated with significant firepower following what was described as an unprovoked attack by Afghan Taliban and allied militants. The clashes occurred in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, dramatically escalating regional tensions.
According to Pakistan's state broadcaster, PTV News, the Afghan Taliban, alongside militants from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), initiated the unprovoked fire. The Pakistani Army responded with full force and intensity, inflicting heavy damage on adversary positions. Initial reports confirmed the destruction of several Taliban posts and at least four tank positions.
The military operation also reportedly killed a key commander of the TTP, which Pakistani authorities refer to as Fitna al-Khawarij.This recent engagement follows a deadly weekend assault where, according to Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an attack by Afghan Taliban forces killed 23 Pakistani troops.
The ISPR stated that Pakistan's subsequent response resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants.The two sides present conflicting narratives for the escalating violence. Kabul claims its actions are retaliatory for alleged airstrikes conducted by Pakistan inside Afghan territory last week. Islamabad has not officially confirmed these strikes but has persistently demanded that the Taliban government cease harboring TTP militants used for cross-border attacks.
The Taliban administration in Kabul denies these allegations.In a diplomatic move on Tuesday, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Amna Baloch, briefed resident ambassadors in Islamabad on the border situation. A statement from the Foreign Office noted that she underscored Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and its unwavering resolve to protect its territorial integrity and national security.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
