36 Taliban killed as Pakistan responds to unprovoked Afghan border fire

ISLAMABAD: At least 36 operatives of the Afghanistan regime were killed while several others were wounded as Pakistan continued its “robust and effective response” to the unprovoked firing by Taliban forces along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. 

As tension rises between the two neighbors, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said after the Taliban’s “defeat and exposure in the field of action, the Afghan Taliban regime is resorting to lies and propaganda.”

“We will never allow the Afghan Taliban regime to hide behind lies,” the information minister said in a post on X. 

He added that at least thirty-six operatives of the Afghan Taliban regime were killed, while several others were wounded.

The firing by the Afghan Taliban regime in defense of the terrorist organizations within Pakistan's border areas has once again exposed to the entire world the Afghan Taliban regime's support for terrorists, Information Minister Tarar said.

He added that two Pakistani soldiers had also embraced martyrdom in the clashes, and three others were wounded.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also confirmed that Afghan Taliban elements carried out provocative actions at multiple points along the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, he said the enemy’s advance was successfully thwarted in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur sectors.

“According to initial reports, the opposing side suffered casualties and material losses, while several posts and military equipment were destroyed,” he said.

Chaudhry said Pakistan would not compromise on its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or the protection of its citizens.

“Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence; however, any form of aggression will be met with an immediate, effective, and robust response,” he added.

Security sources said Afghan Taliban forces opened unprovoked fire at various locations along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, triggering a full-force counter-operation by Pakistan’s security forces.

“Pakistan’s security forces are giving a befitting reply to the unprovoked Afghan aggression,” the sources said, adding that Taliban hideouts were destroyed during the counter-attack, forcing Khawarij elements to flee.

According to security sources, Pakistani forces precisely targeted and destroyed an Afghan Taliban check post in the Chitral sector, while additional operations were carried out in the Nawagai sector of Bajaur, Tirah in Khyber district, Mohmand district, and the Arandu sector.

Security sources said two Afghan posts were destroyed in Bajaur alone, underscoring Pakistan’s preparedness to defend its border and respond decisively to any hostile action.

“Pakistan’s security forces are fully prepared to protect the border and will give a strong and immediate response against any kind of aggression,” the sources said.

Security analysts say the latest clashes reflect a dangerous shift along Pakistan’s western frontier.

“What Pakistan is facing on the western border is not just terrorism, it is war,” said Brigadier (retd) Nadir Mir, a defence analyst, speaking on Pakistan TV. “This is not the action of a terrorist group alone. The Kabul regime, along with terrorist elements, is unleashing war against Pakistan.”

Visual material circulated by Afghan security-linked accounts showed armoured vehicles moving through rugged, mountainous terrain at night, with flashes of gunfire visible. Pakistan TV Digital could not independently verify the location, timing, or authenticity of the footage.

The exchanges along the roughly 2,600-kilometre Pakistan–Afghanistan border mark the latest flare-up threatening a fragile ceasefire that followed deadly clashes last October.

Pakistan said the current escalation follows a series of suicide bombings inside the country, including attacks during the holy month of Ramzan.

According to the information ministry, Pakistan recently conducted precision airstrikes on seven terrorist camps and hideouts along the border after authorities established links between the attackers and Afghanistan-based militant leadership.

The ministry said the strikes targeted camps linked to Fitna al Khwarij, Pakistan’s term for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), groups Islamabad says were responsible for attacks, including a bombing at a mosque in Islamabad and incidents in Bajaur and Bannu.

Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan’s interim authorities to take verifiable action to prevent the use of Afghan territory for cross-border terrorism.

Despite these efforts, officials said no substantive action was taken, leaving Pakistan with no option but to act to safeguard its citizens and national security.

This is a developing story. Please refresh the page to see updated information as it becomes available.