PESHAWAR: A confrontation between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban near the Kurram district has led to the deaths of eight Afghan soldiers, including two key commanders, and injuries to at least 16 others.
Sources reported that the clash erupted on Saturday morning when Afghan forces attacked a Pakistani checkpoint in the Palosin area with heavy weaponry. Pakistani forces responded, resulting in significant casualties on the Afghan side. The deceased Afghan Taliban members included commanders Khalil and Jan Muhammad.
As of now, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
In a separate incident on Sunday, an FC (Frontier Corps) official was martyred, and three other personnel were injured in an ambush in the Marghan area of central Kurram. Militants targeted an FC check post belonging to the Tall Scouts and fled the scene. The deceased and injured have been transported to a local hospital.
This recent violence is part of an ongoing pattern of clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces along the border. In the past, Pakistan has raised concerns with Kabul about such incidents, which have included cross-border attacks and support for militant activities within Pakistan.
The escalating tensions have also led to disruptions in trade between the two countries, with border exchanges remaining suspended over the weekend. Intermittent firing was reported on Sunday, but no additional casualties were recorded.
Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Foreign Office had expressed concerns to Kabul following displacement of local residents due to border clashes. Efforts by tribal elders to ease tensions were made, but the ongoing conflict continues to impact communities near the Kharlachi border crossing.
