Pakistan Army Targets Afghan Taliban Positions After Border Firing in Upper Kurram

The Pakistan Army has responded to what security sources described as unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Upper Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reportedly killing several Taliban personnel and destroying a base camp.

The exchange of fire took place on Saturday in the Taida sector and nearby border areas, including Ghozgarhi. According to security sources, Afghan Taliban forces allegedly opened fire while attempting to facilitate the infiltration of foreign terrorists into Pakistan.

Pakistani forces responded with heavy weapons and artillery, targeting several Afghan Taliban positions along the border. Security sources said several Taliban personnel were reportedly killed, although an exact casualty figure was not confirmed.

In Upper Kurram, Pakistani forces targeted the Afghan Taliban’s Topser post and Shipola base camp with artillery fire. The base camp was reportedly completely destroyed during the response.

Security sources further claimed that Afghan Taliban personnel abandoned a border post following the Pakistani action. Reports carried by state broadcaster PTV News and the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan said the exchange of fire was continuing in the area.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Diplomatic Tensions

The latest confrontation comes amid continued tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s allegations that militant groups operate from Afghan territory.

On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said engagement with Afghanistan could not be unconditional, while rejecting claims that Islamabad was unwilling to pursue dialogue. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan would welcome sincere efforts by friendly countries to address its security concerns and promote regional peace.

The spokesperson also said he was unaware of any separate, formal Russian mediation initiative, despite Moscow expressing readiness to mediate between the two countries.

Tensions increased further in September after Pakistan carried out airstrikes against what it described as terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan following major attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government said the September 21 strikes killed more than 28 militants.

Pakistan also reported intercepting eight drones that entered its airspace near Torkham and Kohat. Islamabad subsequently announced precision aerial and drone strikes at 10 locations in Afghanistan. On October 1, Pakistan reported another round of targeted airstrikes against militant hideouts, claiming multiple casualties.

Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February 2026 in response to cross-border firing by Afghan Taliban forces. The operation followed renewed hostilities despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.

The security situation remains a major concern for Islamabad, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, Pakistan recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026, compared with 199 in August. The figures represented a 13 per cent increase and the highest monthly total in 12 years.