Tajikistan has confirmed a deadly clash with armed men who crossed illegally from Afghanistan.
The confrontation resulted in the deaths of three infiltrators and two Tajik servicemen. Following the incident, authorities in Dushanbe demanded an apology from Taliban leaders. They also called for stronger measures to secure the shared border. Officials described the incident as a serious breach of security.
Details of the Cross-Border Infiltration
According to Tajik officials, the incident began late on December 23. Three members of an armed group crossed into Tajik territory from Afghanistan. The infiltration occurred near Border Outpost No. 5. The location lies in the Qavoq area of Shamsiddin Shohin district. Border surveillance units detected suspicious movement shortly afterward.
The Tajik state news agency reported that forces launched a search operation. Security personnel located the group early the next morning. According to the State Committee for National Security, troops issued repeated surrender orders.
However, the armed men ignored all warnings. They opened fire on the approaching border forces.
As a result, a violent exchange of gunfire erupted.
Infiltrators Killed During Operation
“All three infiltrators were neutralised during the operation,” the committee stated. Officials said the men intended to attack a nearby military outpost. Security forces acted to prevent potential casualties and damage.
Authorities confirmed that the operation followed established engagement rules. The clash ended after the armed men were killed at the scene.
Weapons and Explosives Recovered
Security forces recovered a large cache of weapons from the site. The items included an M-16 rifle and a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Officers also found pistols fitted with suppressors. Additionally, forces recovered hand grenades and a night-vision device. Explosives were also seized during the operation. Officials said the weapons confirmed hostile intent.
Tajik Border Guards Killed in Exchange
Tragically, two Tajik border servicemen lost their lives during the clash. Authorities later identified them as Navruzbekov Zirehbon Naghzibekovich. The second serviceman was Qurbonov Ismatullo Ghulomovich.
Senior officials expressed condolences to the families. They praised the soldiers for their sacrifice and service.
Tajik authorities strongly condemned the incident. They described the infiltration as a terrorist act.
Officials held the Afghan Taliban government responsible. They accused Kabul of failing to prevent cross-border violence. According to officials, such failures threaten regional stability.
Pattern of Repeated Border Incidents
Officials said this was the third similar incident in one month. Previous clashes along the border also caused casualties. Both civilians and military personnel suffered losses. Authorities warned that the pattern showed growing security risks. They stressed the need for immediate corrective action.
Call for Accountability from Taliban Authorities
In an official statement, Tajikistan criticized Kabul’s unmet commitments. Officials said the Taliban failed to uphold international obligations. They also cited repeated assurances on countering militant groups.
Dushanbe formally demanded an apology from Taliban leadership. It also urged immediate and effective preventive steps.
Afghan media reported no official Taliban response by Wednesday. Observers noted continued silence from Afghan authorities. Meanwhile, Tajikistan increased security vigilance along the border. Officials said they would protect national sovereignty at all costs. The situation remains tense as regional concerns persist.
