Islamabad (Pakistan):A deadly border clash along the Durand Line in the Upper Kurram district on Saturday resulted in the deaths of seven to eight Taliban personnel. The Afghan Taliban targeted Pakistani border posts in areas including Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha, and Tari Mengal using both light and heavy weapons, as reported by Dawn.
According to security sources, one Pakistani soldier was killed, and 11 others were injured. The Taliban forces, however, claimed that 19 Pakistani soldiers were killed during retaliatory strikes.
The clash occurred just days after Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province killed 46 people and wounded six others. Pakistani officials stated the strikes targeted Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) bases. However, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence disputed this, claiming that Waziristani refugees were also hit.
Sources also mentioned that the TTP attempted to infiltrate Pakistani territory on Friday night but were unsuccessful. The following morning, Afghan forces and militants retaliated by opening fire on Pakistani border posts. Pakistani forces responded effectively, resulting in significant Taliban casualties, with over 15 militants confirmed dead and many others wounded.
