A clash between Pakistani security forces and Afghan Taliban fighters near the Kurram district border resulted in the deaths of eight Afghan soldiers, including two key commanders, and left at least 16 others injured.
The confrontation began when Taliban forces attempted to construct a security outpost along the porous border, which has long been a contentious issue between the two countries. Pakistani troops reportedly responded to alleged shelling and gunfire from Afghan border guards, leading to the casualties.
Afghanistan’s Information Ministry has yet to confirm the incident, citing the need to gather accurate information. Similarly, the Pakistan Army’s media wing has not issued an official statement.
The clash is part of ongoing tensions between the southeastern Afghan border province of Khost and the adjoining Pakistani district of Kurram, which have resulted in casualties on both sides.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which stretches 2,640 kilometers (1,640 miles) and features 18 crossing points, frequently experiences closures due to such clashes. Notably, Torkham and Chaman are among the most commonly used crossings and often remain shut due to border disputes.
Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line, established in 1893 during British colonial rule, as the official border between the two countries. Tensions had previously subsided following Pakistan’s intelligence-based anti-terrorism operations, but the volatile nature of the frontier persists.
