Islamabad (Web Desk): Security forces responded effectively to unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban along the Pak-Afghan border on Thusday night, the Ministry of Information said.
Meanwhile, Kabul claimed it had launched counterattacks on Pakistani positions.
The ministry reported that Taliban fighters opened fire at several locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur districts. Pakistani troops quickly retaliated, causing significant losses to the Taliban and destroying multiple border outposts.
Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously, said the exchange in the mountainous northwest lasted over two hours, following Taliban firing on border posts.
The Taliban stated that their attacks were in response to recent Pakistani airstrikes targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State Khorasan camps in eastern Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid added that specialised units carried out operations under cover of darkness.
The fighting along the 2,600-kilometer Durand Line raises concerns of escalating tensions after deadly clashes in October. Pakistan has placed its forces on high alert nationwide and ramped up intelligence-led operations, arresting dozens of suspected militants and facilitators, including Afghan nationals.