Web Desk: Security forces have thwarted an attempted cross-border infiltration in the Kurram sector, with security sources alleging that the operation was carried out under the supervision of the Afghan Taliban from positions in Afghanistan.
The sources said the attempted infiltration involved members of Fitna al-Khawarij and originated from Afghan border posts in Nangarhar and Paktia provinces. Pakistani troops detected the movement and responded, preventing the group from entering Pakistani territory.
Following the failed attempt, Afghan Taliban forces allegedly opened fire on Pakistani border posts in the Kurram sector, using heavy weapons, mortars and other arms, according to the security sources.
The firing came amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier. Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, while Kabul has rejected accusations that it allows its territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan.
Pakistani security forces responded with what the sources described as an extensive retaliatory operation. The forces targeted several Afghan border positions, including mortar sites and defensive posts, using small arms, heavier weapons and artillery.
The sources said the response forced Afghan personnel to abandon several positions and retreat from the area. They added that Pakistani troops retained control of the affected border sector.
Security forces are continuing to monitor developments along the frontier and have maintained heightened vigilance in the area, the sources said.
The latest incident comes a day after Pakistan said it had conducted strikes against terrorist targets in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. Islamabad said the strikes killed 28 terrorists, while Afghan authorities and the United Nations reported civilian deaths, underscoring the sharp tensions between the two sides.
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