Intense fighting erupted late on Tuesday between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban along the border in Pakistan's Kurram district, state
media reported. According to state broadcaster PTV News, "Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij opened unprovoked fire in Kurram. Pakistani Army responded with full force and intensity." The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by Pakistani authorities to refer to fighters of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). PTV reported that Afghan Taliban positions suffered "heavy damage," with at least one tank destroyed in retaliatory fire. Taliban fighters were said to have fled their posts after the clashes. Later reports from the broadcaster claimed "another post and tank position of the Afghan Taliban" were destroyed in Kurram, followed by confirmation that a fourth tank position at Shamsadar post was hit. Sources cited by PTV said a key commander of Fitna al-Khawarij was killed during the exchange. Also Read: What's Behind the Deadly Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Clashes That Left 58 Soldiers Dead? Earlier in the day, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Amna Baloch, gave a "comprehensive briefing" to resident ambassadors in Islamabad on the recent escalation along the Pak-Afghan border. "She underscored Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and its unwavering resolve to protect its territorial integrity and national security," the Foreign Office said. Over the weekend, Afghan Taliban forces reportedly launched an unprovoked assault on Pakistani border posts, killing 23 troops, according to Pakistan's military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The ISPR said Pakistan's response killed more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants. Kabul claimed its attack was a "retaliatory" move, alleging that Pakistan had carried out air strikes inside Afghan territory last week. Islamabad has not confirmed any air strikes but reiterated its call for Kabul to "stop harbouring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan on its soil." Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory to stage cross-border attacks, while Kabul continues to deny these accusations, insisting Afghan soil is not being used against any neighbouring country. 2024 had been one of the most violent years for Pakistantan with more than 2,500 people killed in violence as both countries tried to reset their relationship. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had visited Kabul in April, with senior leadership on both sides holding a series of meetings, often mediated by China. That process led to upgraded diplomatic ties and a brief lull in violence over the summer. However, in recent days, Pakistan has seen an escalation in violence. A string of attacks on its forces has killed dozens of soldiers, mostly in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which shares a border with Afghanistan. The Pakistani military on Friday said it killed more than 30 fighters involved in a recent attack in the tribal district of Orakzai.
