Pakistan, Afghan forces clash in Kurram as border tensions flare

Fresh cross-border clashes erupted between Pakistani and Afghan forces along the Kurram district, triggering renewed tension between the two neighbors. Both sides reportedly exchanged heavy fire and artillery early this week.

Local sources said the exchange took place near Piewar village, particularly in the Shorko sector of Kurram district.

According to Pakistani security sources, the clashes began after troops repelled an infiltration attempt by Afghan border forces allegedly assisting militants from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) trying to cross into Pakistani territory.

The sources said Pakistani forces launched a strong retaliatory response, killing several TTP militants and Afghan soldiers. They claimed Afghan troops abandoned their border posts and fled after the exchange.

Security forces across Kurram and other tribal border regions have since been placed on high alert, the sources added.

Afghan officials, however, dismissed reports of fresh armed clashes. “It is being claimed that fighting has erupted in some areas of the eastern zone, which is entirely untrue,” said Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesperson for the 201st Khalid Bin Walid Corps.

He said the situation across the eastern region remains “calm and stable,” adding there were no current security concerns or disturbances.

Pakistan has yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest clashes.

Meanwhile, Russia expressed concern over the escalation along the Afghan-Pakistani border and called for restraint.

“We have been following with concern the reports of a new escalation along the Afghan-Pakistani border,” said Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. She noted that both Kabul and Islamabad had offered differing accounts of the clashes and their causes.

Zakharova said exchanges of airstrikes and gunfire had spread across much of the border region, including the Pashtun tribal belt, resulting in casualties among military personnel on both sides.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch briefed resident ambassadors in Islamabad on the developments along the border.

“She underscored Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and its unwavering resolve to protect its territorial integrity and national security,” the statement said.

Pakistan’s military earlier reported that 23 troops were killed and more than 200 Taliban and affiliated fighters were slain when Afghan Taliban forces launched what Islamabad called an “unprovoked attack” on border posts over the weekend.

Afghanistan claimed the assault was a “retaliatory” measure following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan territory last week. Islamabad has not confirmed whether it carried out the strikes but maintains Kabul must “stop harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan on its soil.”

Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul, meanwhile, denies the allegations, insisting Afghan soil is not used against neighboring countries.