RAWALPINDI — The Pakistan Army responded with heavy weapons and artillery to what security sources described as unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Kurram district, reportedly killing several Taliban personnel and destroying a base camp.
The exchange of fire took place on Saturday in the Taida sector and surrounding border areas, including Ghozgarhi. According to security sources cited by state media, the firing occurred as Afghan Taliban forces allegedly attempted to facilitate the crossing of foreign militants into Pakistan.
Base Camp Destroyed in Retaliatory Strikes
Pakistani forces used artillery to target the Afghan Taliban’s Topser post and Shipola base camp in Upper Kurram. The base camp was reportedly completely destroyed during the retaliatory action. Security sources said several Taliban personnel were killed in the exchange along the Ghozgarhi border, though an exact casualty figure had not been confirmed.
Sources further said Afghan Taliban personnel abandoned a border post following the Pakistani response. The exchange of fire was still continuing in the area, according to reports carried by state broadcaster PTV News and the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.
Diplomatic Friction Over Cross-Border Militancy
The latest confrontation comes amid continued friction between Islamabad and Kabul over Pakistan’s allegations that militant groups operate from Afghan territory and carry out attacks inside the country.
On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said engagement with Afghanistan could not be unconditional, while rejecting suggestions 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 and stability.
The spokesperson also said he was not aware of any separate, formal Russian mediation initiative under discussion, despite Moscow recently expressing readiness to mediate between the two neighbours.
Months of Escalating Hostilities
Tensions escalated further in September, when 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 shooting down eight drones that entered its airspace near the Torkham border and Kohat. Following the incursions, Islamabad said it conducted precision aerial and drone strikes at 10 locations in Afghanistan. On October 1, Pakistan announced another series of targeted airstrikes against militant hideouts, reporting multiple deaths.
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.
Militant Attacks at 12-Year High
The security situation has remained a major concern for Islamabad, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the country recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026, up from 199 in August — a 13 percent increase and the highest monthly total in 12 years.
