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Pakistan’s army has destroyed several Afghan Taliban posts and a base camp in retaliatory action following cross-border firing in northwestern Pakistan, Pakistani state media reported on Saturday.
The clashes took place in the Upper Kurram and Ghuzgarhi sectors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
According to Pakistani security sources, Afghan Taliban forces opened fire in the Taldah sector of Upper Kurram, allegedly to facilitate the movement of militants across the border into Pakistan.
The Pakistani army responded with heavy weapons and artillery fire.
The sources said Pakistani forces targeted the Afghan Taliban’s Topsar border post and Shipola base camp in Upper Kurram.
The Shipola camp was reportedly destroyed, while several other Taliban positions were also hit. Afghan Taliban personnel were forced to abandon some of their posts and flee, according to the reports.
Several Afghan Taliban personnel were also reportedly killed during the retaliatory action along the Ghuzgarhi border.
The exchange of fire was continuing in the area, the sources said.
The reported casualties and damage could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate comment from the Afghan Taliban authorities.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained over Islamabad’s allegations that militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operate from Afghan territory and launch attacks inside Pakistan.
The Afghan Taliban government has repeatedly rejected accusations that it allows its territory to be used for attacks against its neighbour.
The latest clashes came after Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that dialogue with Afghanistan remained possible but could not be unconditional.
Islamabad also welcomed sincere efforts by friendly countries to help resolve the dispute and address its security concerns.
Pakistani security officials said the army remained on high alert to protect the country’s borders and safeguard national security.
