Days after Pakistan's strikes targeted the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) militants, Afghan Taliban forces launched attacks on multiple Pakistani border posts in the Upper Kurram district, killing a Pakistan paramilitary soldier on Saturday morning. The Afghan Taliban forces fired at posts in Ghozgarhi, Kot Ragha, Matha Sangar and Tari Mengal areas. Afghan forces used both light and heavy weaponry, sources claim.
In retaliation, Pakistan forces are reported to have inflicted significant losses on Afghanistan's side as seven to eight Afghan soldiers were killed, say sources.
Earlier, Pakistan had targeted, what it claims 'terrorist positions in Paktika province of Afghanistan' to punish the banned TTP militants, which allegedly use Afghan soil to train and attack Pakistan.
The Saturday attack followed after militants attempted to infiltrate on Friday night, using Afghan Taliban-controlled posts. “The firing was effectively responded to and there are confirmed reports of heavy losses on the Afghan side with over 15 militants killed and many others wounded,” according to sources.
Reportedly, the Afghan forces abandoned their posts and left the area after the incident.
Relations between Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan have deteriorated gradually since they came to power in 2021 because the latter allegedly failed to rein in the TTP rebels who have increased attacks on the Pakistani forces.
Pakistan's air strikes on Paktika province
In a major escalation, Pakistan conducted a series of airstrikes on Paktika province in Afghanistan. The strike, which took place on the night of December 24, targeted seven villages, including Laman, where five members of a family were killed, as reported by Khaama Press.
Local sources have claimed that Pakistani jets conducted the bombings. Reports indicate that the ongoing humanitarian crisis has further exacerbated in Murg Bazaar village in Barmal, which was destroyed.
Condemning the attack. the Taliban's Ministry of Defence had vowed to retaliate, saying that defending the land and sovereignty was their legitimate right.
(With agency inputs)
Also Read | Allies to adversaries: The deteriorating Pakistan-Afghanistan relations | Explained
