KURRAM: Pakistani security forces have foiled an alleged infiltration attempt by militants of the Fitna al Khawarij into the Kurram sector from Afghanistan, security sources said on Wednesday.
The militants of the Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), made the infiltration attempt into Pakistan under suppervision of the Afghan Taliban.
The attempted infiltration was reportedly launched from Afghan Taliban positions in Nangarhar and Paktia provinces, the sources said. Pakistani troops deployed along the border prevented the militants from entering Pakistan.
After the infiltration attempt was thwarted, Afghan Taliban forces opened fire on Pakistani border posts, according to the sources.
The firing involved heavy weapons, mortars and other arms, the sources said.
Pakistani forces responded with small and heavy weapons, including artillery. Several Afghan Taliban border posts, mortar positions and defensive positions were targeted, according to the sources.
The sources said the response forced Afghan Taliban personnel to abandon several positions.
They said Pakistani forces retained control of the border areas.
A video circulating from the Kurram border reportedly shows smoke rising near Afghan Taliban positions following the exchange of fire. The footage could not be independently verified.
Security forces remain on high alert in the area, the sources said. They are continuing to monitor the border situation and remain prepared to respond to any further firing or attempted infiltration.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistan has recently carried out airstrikes against alleged militant targets in Afghanistan, while Afghan authorities have condemned the strikes.
