Pakistani, Afghan Taliban forces exchange fire near Bajaur border

By Tahir Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Afghan Taliban forces exchanged fire along the border, official sources in Bajaur said on Saturday.

Clashes were reported in Katkot, Ghakhe and Nakhtar Pass areas of Loi Mamond tehsil in Bajaur. Both sides used heavy and small arms, according to sources.

“Several mortars were fired from the Afghan side and landed on the Pakistani side of the border,” the sources added.

There has been no official statement from either side.

On June 13, shells were also fired in the Tarano area of Bajaur’s Salarzai tehsil, resulting in one death and injuries to two others.

Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province lies across the border. Pakistani security officials say the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is active in the region.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the cross-border firing. Pakistani and Afghan forces frequently exchange fire over new constructions near the border or when Pakistani troops attempt to prevent incursions from the Afghan side.

The latest clash comes at a time when relations between the two countries have shown signs of improvement, with both sides announcing plans to upgrade diplomatic ties.

PM’s Aide’s House Come Under Attack

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Tribal Affairs, MNA Mubarak Zeb, said that “miscreants” attacked his house in the Bajaur tribal district on Friday night. No casualties were reported, however.

Zeb wrote on X that a rocket had been fired at his house — the second such attack in a month. He did not name anyone responsible for the assault.

According to witnesses, the house’s walls sustained minor damage. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

On May 14, an explosive device detonated at the main gate of his residence, destroying the gate.

Zeb’s elder brother, Rehan Zeb — an independent candidate — was shot dead during the election campaign on January 31, 2024.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday strongly condemned the rocket attack on the house of his special assistant. A statement from the PM’s Office said the prime minister had ordered an investigation and called for the arrest of those involved.