Renewed Clashes Erupt Between Pakistani and Afghan Forces Along Border as Tensions Escalate

Heavy clashes broke out on Tuesday between Pakistani and Afghan forces in a remote northwestern border region, with Pakistan’s state-run media accusing Afghan troops of opening “unprovoked fire” that was swiftly repelled. Pakistani forces reportedly responded by damaging Afghan tanks and military positions, according to Pakistan TV and two security officials who spoke anonymously due to restrictions on media communication.

Afghan police spokesperson Tahir Ahrar, from Khost province, confirmed the clashes but gave no additional details. This marks the second exchange of fire between the two sides this week along their volatile frontier. Pakistan’s state media reported that Afghan forces and Pakistani Taliban fighters jointly opened fire on a Pakistani post “without provocation,” prompting what was described as a “strong response” from Pakistani troops in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Security officials added that Pakistani forces destroyed a major training facility belonging to the Pakistani Taliban.

The Pakistani military, which has been on high alert since Saturday, has yet to issue an official statement. Over the weekend, intense cross-border shelling resulted in dozens of casualties on both sides before Saudi Arabia and Qatar intervened to help broker a temporary halt in hostilities. Despite the pause, all border crossings remain closed. Kabul claimed to have struck several Pakistani military posts, killing 58 soldiers in response to alleged violations of Afghan territory and airspace.

Islamabad reported fewer losses—23 soldiers killed—and claimed to have eliminated over 200 “Taliban and affiliated terrorists” in retaliation. Tensions have continued to rise since last week, when Afghanistan accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes in Kabul and an eastern market—claims Pakistan has not acknowledged. Pakistan maintains that its operations target hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allied but distinct group from the Afghan Taliban. Kabul, meanwhile, rejects the accusations, insisting that it does not allow its territory to be used against any neighboring country.