Afghan Taliban forces shell Pakistani border posts after infiltration attempt, Kabul denies attack

On September 22, 2026, local Pakistani officials reported that Afghan Taliban forces shelled Pakistani border posts in Paktia and Nangarhar provinces after Pakistani troops foiled a cross-border infiltration attempt by militants. The Afghan Taliban spokesman denied the attack. This incident occurred days after Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, which Islamabad said targeted militant hideouts. The escalation threatens mediation efforts by China, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Pakistani officials blamed the Pakistani Taliban for recent attacks, including a suicide bombing in Kohat that killed 21 people.