Clashes at Afghan-Pak Border Result in Deaths of 19 Pakistani Soldiers and 3 Afghan Civilians
Click to start listening
Kabul, Dec 28 (NationPress) Intense confrontations broke out between Afghan and Pakistani border forces at several border crossing locations, resulting in the deaths of 19 Pakistani soldiers and three Afghan civilians, as reported by local media on Saturday.
The violent clashes are currently ongoing in the eastern provinces of Khost and Paktia in Afghanistan, according to TOLOnews, citing a source from the Ministry of National Defense, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Afghan border forces have reportedly set ablaze multiple Pakistani military posts in the Ali Shir district of Khost province and have taken control of two Pakistani posts in the Dand-e-Patan district of Paktia province.
It was noted that three Afghan civilians lost their lives due to mortar shells fired by Pakistani forces in the Dand-e-Patan district, the source indicated.
These clashes follow airstrikes conducted by Pakistani troops in Paktika province on Tuesday night, which resulted in the deaths of 51 individuals, including women and children.
Moreover, following the Taliban's resurgence in power in Afghanistan, Pakistan has experienced an increase in terrorist attacks, as the new regime has reinforced the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The TTP aims to create an Islamic emirate in Pakistan, similar to its counterpart in Kabul.
A report from the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies highlighted a 56 percent increase in fatalities from terrorist activities in Pakistan in 2023 compared to 2022, with over 1,500 lives lost, including 500 security personnel.
The relationship between the Afghan Taliban and the government of Pakistan has deteriorated further after Islamabad accused the Kabul administration of facilitating cross-border terrorism.
