PESHAWAR: A clash between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban on the border near the Kurram district resulted in the death of eight Afghan soldiers, including two ‘key’ commanders, and injuries to at least 16, Dawn has learnt. #AfghanBorderClash
Sources said the Afghan side attacked a Pakistani check post with heavy weapons in the Palosin area on the Pak-Afghan border on Saturday morning.
“We have reports about heavy losses on the other [Afghan] side. So far, eight Afghan Taliban have been killed and 16 others have sustained injuries in retaliatory firing by the Pakistani forces,” sources said, adding two ‘key’ commanders, Khalil and Jan Muhammad, were also killed.
There was no official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on this incident until going to press.
Afghan troops have previously opened fire on Pakistani security forces at the border, sources revealed. Pakistan had shared its concerns with Kabul about these incidents. Sources claimed the Afghan Taliban are now openly attacking Pakistani forces and facilitating militant activities inside Pakistan.
Due to the tense security situation, trade between the two countries remained suspended over the weekend. A Dawn correspondent said there was intermittent firing on the border on Sunday as well, but no casualties were reported.
In May, the Foreign Office expressed concerns to Kabul after clashes displaced many locals in Kharlachi. These displaced individuals sought shelter in safer areas.
At the time, tribal elders from Kurram and the Afghan side played a role in defusing the tensions. However, clashes on the border had prompted large-scale displacement from villages and settlements near the Kharlachi border crossing. This Afghan border clash underscores the need for better coordination among neighboring forces. #AfghanBorderClash
FC man martyred
Meanwhile, an FC official was martyred and three personnel sustained injuries in an attack carried out in the Marghan area of the central Kurram on Sunday.
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