Officials cite militant casualties and drone interceptions
Pakistan said its security forces responded to what it described as unprovoked Afghan Taliban firing across multiple locations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A government statement said Afghan forces “miscalculated” by opening fire, triggering an immediate and effective response by Pakistani troops.
According to security officials, at least 130 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed in the latest exchanges. Militants used quadcopters to target Pakistani checkposts. Nevertheless, Pakistani troops intercepted and shot down the drones. Pakistani forces then engaged hostile positions using small and heavy weaponry, supported by selective aerial drone strikes.
Authorities also warned of fabricated videos and misinformation circulating online, claiming such content aimed to distort ground realities. Meanwhile, Pakistani troops conducted operations in multiple sectors, including Chitral, Bajaur, Khyber and Mohmand. Officials said a Taliban checkpost was destroyed in Chitral, while two posts were eliminated in Bajaur during retaliatory action.
Security sources added that Frontier Corps personnel remained engaged in Kurram, with footage showing sustained artillery targeting militant positions. Tanks were also deployed in certain areas, and operations were ongoing across affected border regions.
Civilian areas hit as tensions escalate
Officials accused Afghan forces of targeting civilians after setbacks in clashes with the Pakistan Army. Mortar shells reportedly landed in parts of Bajaur, injuring five civilians, including women. Victims were shifted to hospital as residents expressed anger over cross-border shelling.
Authorities also reported damage to a mosque, describing it as further unprovoked aggression. In response, Pakistani forces destroyed militant hideouts near Kurram and killed additional fighters. Later, the Pakistan Air Force carried out strikes, destroying a major ammunition depot in Nangarhar.
Officials reiterated that Pakistan would defend its territorial integrity and respond decisively to any future aggression.
