Islamabad, Pakistan – A violent border clash along the Durand Line claimed the lives of 7-8 Taliban forces on Saturday. The incident occurred in Pakistan’s Upper Kurram district as Taliban forces launched an assault on Pakistani border posts using both light and heavy weaponry.
According to Dawn, the skirmish resulted in the death of one Pakistani soldier and injuries to 11 others. Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed that 19 Pakistani soldiers were killed during retaliatory attacks.
Heavy Weaponry Used in Escalation
The Taliban targeted Pakistani border posts in multiple areas, including Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha, and Tari Mengal. This comes on the heels of a Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan’s Barmal district, which killed 46 people, including several militants, according to Pakistani military reports.
Background of Escalation
The Pakistani military has stated that its airstrikes targeted Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) bases, destroying four camps and eliminating multiple militants. However, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence disputed these claims, stating that the strikes also affected “Waziristani refugees.”
Failed Infiltration Attempts
On Friday night, TTP militants allegedly attempted to cross into Pakistani territory through Taliban checkpoints but were repelled. By Saturday morning, a coordinated assault by Taliban and TTP forces ensued, with heavy weaponry targeting Pakistani posts. Security sources confirmed significant losses on the Taliban side, with over 15 militants killed and many others injured.
Rising Tensions Along the Border
The Durand Line has long been a flashpoint for conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with tensions escalating following repeated militant infiltrations and retaliatory military actions.
