Islamabad: A heavy exchange of fire is under way between Pakistani security forces and Afghan Taliban border forces in the Kurram sector, according to security sources.
The cross border firing reportedly began at approximately 1:45 pm on Tuesday and has continued intermittently. Details regarding casualties or damage have not yet been confirmed.
The latest confrontation comes amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
On Monday, Pakistan said it had carried out calibrated strikes against militant hideouts in the border region with Afghanistan, killing more than 28 militants. Afghan authorities disputed Pakistan’s account and reported civilian casualties.
Reportedly, intense cross border clashes and airstrikes have erupted periodically between the Pakistan Army and Afghan Taliban forces along the border, marking a severe escalation into what officials have described as an open conflict.
According to security sources, Fitna al Khawarij attempted to infiltrate Pakistan's security forces from the Kurram sector prior to this, while the Afghan Taliban oversaw the attempt.
Afghan Taliban fighters allegedly launched unjustified fire on Pakistani border guards in the Kurram area after the attempt was foiled.
Security officials said Afghan posts in the regions of Paktia and Nangarhar were the source of the infiltration attempt.
The infiltrators were prevented from entering Pakistani territory by the response of Pakistani troops stationed along the border.
According to the reports, Afghan Taliban fighters subsequently used heavy weaponry, mortars, and other weapons to fire at Pakistani border stations.
In response, Pakistani security forces used artillery and other weaponry. A number of Afghan Taliban defensive positions, mortar positions, and border posts were targeted.
The sources state that Afghan Taliban members were forced to retreat and abandon many posts due to the strong reaction.
