Last Updated:
Heavy fighting between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban erupted along Kurram-Paktia border, with a missile reportedly striking a civilian area in Pakistan’s Upper Kurram.
Screengrab of the video from site
Heavy fighting was reported along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Saturday, with Pakistani security forces and Afghan Taliban forces exchanging fire in the Kurram-Paktia sector.
The latest clashes were reported around Ghuzgarhi and Taida in Pakistan’s Upper Kurram, opposite Dand Patan in Afghanistan’s Paktia province. Local reports said both sides used heavy weapons during the exchange. Casualties have been reported, although the exact number could not be independently verified.
Missile Reportedly Lands In Civilian Area
Amid the fighting, a missile reportedly struck a residential area in Pewar in Upper Kurram, on the Pakistani side of the border. Initial reports did not provide confirmed details about civilian casualties or the extent of damage.
The clashes have raised concerns for residents living close to the Durand Line, where cross-border fighting has intensified in recent weeks.
Pakistani Forces Target Afghan Posts
According to Pakistani security sources cited by local media, Afghan Taliban forces opened fire in the Taida sector and Ghuzgarhi area. Pakistan’s forces subsequently targeted Afghan Taliban positions, including a border post and a base camp.
Geo News, citing security sources, reported that the Pakistani military targeted the Topser post and Shipola base camp after what it described as unprovoked firing from the Afghan side. The sources also alleged that the firing was intended to facilitate the crossing of foreign militants into Pakistan.
However, accounts from the two sides have differed in previous clashes over who initiated the fighting, and the latest sequence of events has not been independently established.
Border Tensions Remain High
The latest confrontation comes amid growing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border militancy. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban government of allowing groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory. Kabul has rejected the allegations.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s military said it had killed 12 militants and Afghan Taliban personnel during an attempted infiltration in Kurram, while one Pakistani soldier was killed. The military said Afghan Taliban posts opened fire in support of the attempted crossing.
The situation along the Kurram-Paktia frontier remains fluid, with further exchanges of fire possible as both sides maintain heightened security along the border.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The clashes erupted after heavy fighting broke out along the border near Pakistan’s Upper Kurram and Afghanistan’s Paktia province, with security forces exchanging heavy weapons fire. Pakistani sources claimed the Afghan Taliban opened unprovoked fire from the Taida and Ghuzgarhi areas to facilitate foreign militants crossing into Pakistan.
Ask News18About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18
October 17, 2026, 11:25 PM IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
