Fierce clashes erupt at Pakistan-Afghanistan border, casualties reported

Intense clashes erupted on Saturday between the border security forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan, resulting in casualties on both sides. The conflict occurred in the southeastern Afghan province of Khost and the adjacent Pakistani district of Kurram. The fighting was triggered when Taliban forces attempted to build a security outpost on the Afghan side, leading Pakistani troops to open fire in response. This incident marks the second confrontation in two days over the disputed construction of the outpost. Reports indicate that at least five Pakistani soldiers, including an officer, and more than four Afghan border guards were injured during the clashes. The Pakistani government asserts that mutual agreements prohibit either side from unilaterally constructing new posts along the nearly 2,600-kilometer border. Both countries have not yet issued official statements regarding the ongoing violence. The military tensions are exacerbated by Pakistan's allegations that the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is receiving support from the Afghan Taliban, facilitating cross-border attacks. Pakistani officials have repeatedly urged the Afghan government to take action against these militant groups, presenting evidence of their activities within Afghanistan. Despite these claims, Taliban authorities deny the presence of foreign militant groups, asserting that no threats are allowed to emanate from their territory. However, recent United Nations assessments have supported Pakistan's concerns, indicating that TTP operatives have intensified violence with the assistance of the Afghan government, further straining bilateral relations and impacting trade between the two nations.