Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed as Islamabad, Kabul trade accusations
Renewed border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of 28 fighters. Security sources reported that Pakistani troops killed several Afghan Taliban personnel and destroyed a base camp in the Taida sector of Upper Kurram following an attack. Pakistan accused Afghan forces of opening fire to facilitate militant movements into its territory. Afghanistan and Pakistan remain locked in escalating cross-border violence, with Islamabad alleging that the Taliban government harbors Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militants while Kabul rejects the accusations as baseless propaganda.
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- ✓ Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid rejected accusations of harboring militants as baseless propaganda.
- ✓ The United Nations documented over 1,100 civilian casualties from cross-border violence in Afghanistan this year.
- ✓ Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan while accusing Taliban authorities of sheltering militants.
What changed
Fresh border fighting in the Taida sector resulted in the destruction of a base camp and several reported Afghan Taliban deaths.
Live updates
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Border Clashes Kill 28 as Pakistan and Afghanistan Trade Accusations
Renewed border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of 28 fighters. Security sources reported that Pakistani troops killed several Afghan Taliban personnel and destroyed a base camp in the Taida sector of Upper Kurram following an attack. Pakistan accused Afghan forces of opening fire to facilitate militant movements into its territory. Afghanistan and Pakistan remain locked in escalating cross-border violence, with Islamabad alleging that the Taliban government harbors Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militants while Kabul rejects the accusations as baseless propaganda.
Why it matters
The two countries have engaged in sporadic clashes since major skirmishes in October last year, alongside Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan. Islamabad previously cited a lack of counterterrorism efforts as it declared a state of emergency in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Meanwhile, the United Nations documented over 1,100 civilian casualties from cross-border violence in Afghanistan this year.
What is confirmed
- Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid rejected accusations of harboring militants as baseless propaganda.
- The United Nations documented over 1,100 civilian casualties from cross-border violence in Afghanistan this year.
- Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan while accusing Taliban authorities of sheltering militants.
Still unconfirmed
- Taliban forces attacked the Pakistan border at around 10:30 pm on Saturday, October 11, leading to multiple firing incidents at various border locations.
- Pakistani troops killed several Afghan Taliban personnel and destroyed a military base camp during a border clash in the Taida sector of Upper Kurram.
- President Trump is reportedly exploring the option of using the GBU-43/B MOAB against Iran's nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure.
What to watch next
- Further developments in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government suspension and state of emergency.
- Official casualty tallies and diplomatic responses from Kabul and Islamabad following the Upper Kurram clashes.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.wionews.com — Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes: 15 Afghan ... - WION
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — afghan suspect: Latest News & Videos, Photos about afghan ...
- www.arabnews.pk — Pakistan says several Afghan Taliban killed, base camp ...
- www.cpreview.org — Pakistan Built the Taliban’s Comeback. Now It’s Bombing Kabul.
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Taliban and Pakistan Trade Blame Amid Border Clashes
Afghanistan and Pakistan are locked in escalating cross-border violence and verbal sparring as Islamabad accuses the Taliban government of harboring Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militants. Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid rejected the accusations as baseless propaganda meant to undermine negotiations. Pakistan countered with warnings that armed groups using Afghan territory could eventually threaten the Taliban administration itself. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated he previously warned Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund about militant activity during a July 2025 visit to Kabul, while the United Nations documented over 1,100 civilian casualties from cross-border violence in Afghanistan this year.
Why it matters
The escalating hostilities follow a surge in attacks inside Pakistan orchestrated by militant factions operating from across the border. Pakistan has responded to the security threat with airstrikes on Taliban military facilities, prompting clashes along the Durand Line. Regional diplomatic efforts led by Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh continue as intermediaries attempt to preserve communication lines.
What is confirmed
- Pakistan accuses the Taliban of sheltering Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militants who claim responsibility for attacks inside Pakistan.
- The Taliban publicly denies harboring any militant groups.
- Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of making baseless allegations and using propaganda to undermine negotiations.
- Pakistan urged the Afghan Taliban to stop militants from using Afghan territory for cross-border attacks.
- Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated he warned Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund during a July 2025 visit to Kabul.
- The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan documented more than 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries from cross-border violence in Afghanistan this year.
Still unconfirmed
- Pakistan claims the same armed groups operating from Afghanistan could eventually threaten the Taliban's own rule.
What to watch next
- Further diplomatic intervention by regional intermediaries from Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh.
- Shifts in border security operations or military engagements along the Durand Line.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- dailythepatriot.com — Indeed, God does not alter the affairs of a people until they alter their own affairs. - Daily The Patriot
- www.wionews.com — Taliban accuses Pakistan of ‘baseless allegations’ as cross ...
- www.voanews.com — Pakistan, Afghan Taliban trade blame for cross-border ...
- www.arabnews.pk — Pakistan urges Afghan Taliban to stop militants from carrying ...
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Border Clashes Intensify Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Afghanistan and Pakistan face direct military confrontation amid escalating cross-border violence and conflicting casualty claims. Islamabad attributes a surge in deadly attacks to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan fighters operating from Afghan territory, while the Taliban government denies these accusations. Pakistan has responded with strikes on Taliban military facilities, declaring open war. Clashes have erupted across multiple locations including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Bahram Chah, and Chitral. Regional intermediaries from Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh are attempting to maintain communication channels between the neighboring administrations to prevent further escalation.
Why it matters
Relations between the two governments remain severely strained by cross-border militancy. Pakistan has named specific locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces where fighting has broken out. This direct military confrontation marks a severe escalation in regional tensions.
What is confirmed
- Islamabad attributes a surge in deadly attacks to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan fighters operating from Afghan territory.
- The Taliban government denies accusations that it harbors Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan fighters.
- Pakistan has responded with strikes on Taliban military facilities, declaring open war in the most direct military confrontation between the two governments to date.
- Pakistan named Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Bahram Chah, and Chitral as the locations where clashes erupted.
What to watch next
- Further statements from regional intermediaries in Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh regarding communication channels
- Official casualty updates from both Kabul and Islamabad regarding the border clashes
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.aljazeera.com — Afghanistan | Afghanistan | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.cfr.org — Conflict Between Afghanistan and Pakistan | Global Conflict ...
- en.wikipedia.org — Afghanistan - Wikipedia
- simple.wikipedia.org — Afghanistan - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- www.thedailystar.net — New violence on Pakistan-Afghan border kills more than a ...
- www.wionews.com — Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes: Islamabad ‘kills’ 200 ...
- en.wikipedia.org — History of Afghanistan - Wikipedia
- www.youtube.com — Inside Taliban-run Afghanistan in 2026 | BBC News
- www.bbc.com — Afghanistan country profile - BBC News
- www.moi.gov.af — Home | AfGOV
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Pakistan and Afghanistan Trade Accusations Amid Border Violence
Afghanistan reported that its security forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 in the eastern province of Nuristan following an armed infiltration from Pakistan. The defense ministry stated that the group included Islamic State militants who crossed the border. Meanwhile, Islamabad denied the allegations as the two governments trade accusations over cross-border violence and conflicting casualty figures. Regional intermediaries from Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh are attempting to maintain communication channels between the neighboring administrations to prevent further escalation.
Why it matters
Pakistan previously supported the Taliban in Afghanistan, but the two former allies have become adversaries and Pakistan is now bombing its neighbor. A single incident like the September 18 Kohat attack can alter the trajectory of an already fragile situation and collapse diplomatic openings.
What is confirmed
- Afghanistan reported that its security forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 in the eastern province of Nuristan.
- Pakistan previously supported the Taliban in Afghanistan before relations deteriorated.
Still unconfirmed
- The September 18 Kohat attack directly caused the collapse of a diplomatic opening between Islamabad and Kabul.
What to watch next
- Efforts by regional intermediaries from Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh to maintain communication channels
- Further developments regarding the September 18 Kohat attack and cross-border casualty figures
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- en.tempo.co — Pakistan vs. Afghanistan: From Allies and Neighbors to War - World En.tempo.co
- picss.net — From Kohat to Kabul: How One Attack Can Collapse a Diplomatic ...
- www.jpost.com — Afghanistan Articles and latest stories | The Jerusalem Post
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Afghan Forces Kill 28 Infiltrators After Border Crossing
Afghanistan reported that its security forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 in the eastern province of Nuristan following an armed infiltration from Pakistan. The defense ministry stated that the group included Islamic State militants who crossed the border. Meanwhile, Islamabad denied the allegations as the two governments trade accusations over cross-border violence and conflicting casualty figures. Regional intermediaries from Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh are attempting to maintain communication channels between the neighboring administrations to prevent further escalation.
Why it matters
The border clash follows Pakistani airstrikes in Kunar and Helmand provinces that resulted in disputed civilian and militant casualties. The United Nations documented 10 civilian deaths, mostly children, while Kabul reported nine civilian fatalities and Islamabad claimed to have eliminated 22 terrorists. Rising tensions across the frontier threaten regional stability as diplomatic efforts continue to avert a deeper military confrontation.
What is confirmed
- Afghanistan's defence ministry said its forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 in Nuristan province.
- The armed group crossed into Afghanistan from Pakistan and included Islamic State militants.
- Islamabad denied the allegations made by Afghanistan regarding the border clash.
Still unconfirmed
- Afghanistan captured up to 62 individuals during cross-border operations in the Kamdesh district of Nuristan province.
What to watch next
- Verification of the identities and organizational affiliations of the killed fighters by independent observers.
- Official responses from regional intermediaries in Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh regarding the escalation.
- Further diplomatic or military actions by Islamabad and Kabul along the shared border.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.aljazeera.com — Drone Strikes | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.thedailystar.net — 28 fighters infiltrated from Pakistan, killed | The Daily Star
- www.wionews.com — Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed in clash near Pakistan ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — india pakistan border tensions: Latest News & Videos, Photos ...
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Afghan Forces Claim Dozens Killed in Nuristan After Border Clashes
Afghan security forces reported killing between 28 and 41 fighters and capturing up to 62 individuals after cross-border incursions in the Kamdesh district of Nuristan province. The operation follows Pakistani airstrikes in Kunar and Helmand provinces that triggered sharply conflicting casualty figures. Kabul reported nine civilians killed, while the United Nations documented 10 civilian deaths, predominantly children. In contrast, Islamabad asserted that its airstrikes eliminated 22 terrorists by targeting militant hideouts. Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh are attempting to maintain communication channels between the two governments as the risk of escalation grows.
Why it matters
Cross-border violence along the Durand Line continues to intensify as former allies Islamabad and Kabul trade accusations over militant safe havens. Pakistan previously backed the Taliban but now carries out military strikes inside Afghan territory. The breakdown in bilateral relations heightens regional instability as diplomatic mediation efforts struggle to prevent further escalation.
What is confirmed
- Pakistan reported that its airstrikes killed 22 terrorists after targeting hideouts in Afghanistan.
- The United Nations reported that 10 civilians, most of them children, were killed in Pakistani airstrikes.
- Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh are attempting to maintain communication channels between the Afghan and Pakistani governments.
Still unconfirmed
- Afghan forces killed 28 fighters and captured 32 others after they crossed from Pakistan into Nuristan province.
- Afghan forces killed 41 fighters and captured 62 others following border clashes in Nuristan.
- The Taliban accused Islamabad of sending anti-Taliban fighters into Afghanistan.
What to watch next
- Further cross-border clashes along the Durand Line
- Outcomes from regional diplomatic mediation by Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh
- Official casualty verifications from international monitors
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.independent.co.uk — Children among nine killed in Pakistani airstrikes in ...
- issi.org.pk — CAMEA Bulletin – News from Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa ...
- www.indiatoday.in — Afghanistan says 41 insurgents killed in Nuristan after ...
- www.dw.com — Pakistan vs. Afghanistan: From allies and neighbors to war
- www.longwarjournal.org — Pakistan launches new strikes as conflict with Taliban ...
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Afghan Forces Kill 28 Fighters After Border Crossing Amid Tensions
Afghan security forces killed 28 fighters and captured 32 others, including alleged members of the Islamic State group, after crossing from Pakistan into the Kamdesh district of Nuristan province. The operation follows Pakistani airstrikes in Kunar and Helmand provinces that Afghanistan says killed nine civilians. Islamabad dismissed Afghan claims as baseless and accused Kabul of harboring terrorists, as cross-border violence along the Durand Line intensifies. Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh are attempting to maintain communication channels between the two governments as the risk of escalation grows.
Why it matters
The recent clashes along the Durand Line worsen long-standing disputes over militant activity and cross-border security between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan maintains that its military operations target hideouts used by armed groups. Meanwhile, regional powers are intervening diplomatically to prevent further escalation.
What is confirmed
- Afghanistan said its forces killed 28 fighters and captured 32 others, including alleged members of the Islamic State group, in Kamdesh district in Nuristan province.
- Pakistan launched air attacks inside Afghanistan, stating it targeted hideouts used by armed groups and killed at least 22 fighters.
- Islamabad dismissed Afghan claims regarding civilian casualties as baseless and accused Kabul of harboring terrorists.
Still unconfirmed
- Mohammad Hassan Saqib, the Taliban police spokesman in Nuristan, claimed that at least 38 opposition fighters were killed in three days of clashes in Kamdesh district and another 60-armed opponents were detained.
- Afghanistan alleged that several IS-affiliated groups had been sent from Pakistan with the support of Pakistani authorities to carry out acts of subversion and create insecurity.
- An Afghan official reported four deaths and six injuries in a Pakistani airstrike on Afghan territory.
What to watch next
- Diplomatic efforts by Ankara, Doha, and Riyadh to keep communication channels open between Islamabad and Kabul
- Independent verification of civilian casualties resulting from Pakistani airstrikes
- Further official statements from Islamabad and Kabul regarding cross-border militant infiltration
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.thefridaytimes.com — Ceasefires Without Keepers: Why Pakistan And Afghanistan Keep Returning To War
- www.ilfoglio.it — Accusations fly between Kabul and Islamabad: “Islamic State is infiltrating from Pakistan”
- barbadosgazette.com — Afghanistan says nine killed in Pakistani air raids on Kunar, Helmand | Barbados Gazette – Barbados & C....
- afghanistanpeacecampaign.org — Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed, 32 captured after ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed after crossing from ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Taliban claims success against Pakistan terrorists: 'Killed ...
- www.afintl.com — 38 Opposition Fighters Have Been Killed In Nuristan, Says ...
- businessupturn.com — Pakistan Airstrike on Afghanistan · Business Upturn
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Pakistani Airstrikes Kill Nine in Afghanistan Amid Cross-Border Clashes
Pakistani airstrikes in the Afghan provinces of Kunar and Helmand killed nine civilians, including women and children, and injured 11 others. Afghanistan's government reported the casualties as bilateral tensions escalate sharply between Islamabad and Kabul. Meanwhile, Pakistan stated that its military operations killed 22 fighters. The latest violence follows a separate border incident in Nuristan province where Afghan security forces killed 28 fighters who crossed from Pakistan. Both nations continue to trade accusations, with Islamabad dismissing Afghan claims as baseless and accusing Kabul of harboring terrorists.
Why it matters
This military escalation highlights the deteriorating security relationship between neighboring states that routinely accuse each other of cross-border aggression and militant harboring. Pakistan's defense minister publicly criticized Afghanistan as a bad neighbor amid the mounting hostility. The dispute risks broader regional destabilization as diplomatic channels fail to resolve ongoing accusations regarding militant groups operating across the international boundary.
What is confirmed
- Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan's Kunar and Helmand provinces killed nine civilians, including women and children.
- Afghanistan's government reported that 11 others were injured in the airstrikes.
- Pakistan stated that its military operations killed 22 fighters.
- Afghanistan previously reported killing 28 fighters who crossed from Pakistan into Nuristan province.
- Islamabad dismissed Afghan claims as baseless and accused Kabul of harboring terrorists.
Still unconfirmed
- Afghanistan claimed the cross-border group in Nuristan included Islamic State militants and former Afghan government personnel supported by Pakistani militias.
What to watch next
- Official casualty verifications from independent observers in Kunar and Helmand provinces
- Further military responses or official diplomatic statements from Kabul and Islamabad
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.khaama.com — Pakistan Defence Minister Tells Afghan Journalist: “You Are Not a Good Neighbour” - Khaama Press
- www.aljazeera.com — Pakistan launches deadly air attacks on Afghanistan | News
- anewz.tv — Pakistan strikes Afghanistan as Kabul reports nine civilians killed
- rocketnews.com — Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed as Islamabad, Kabul trade ...
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Afghanistan Says 28 Fighters Killed After Crossing From Pakistan
Afghan defense officials report that security forces killed 28 fighters and captured 32 others after a group crossed the border from neighboring Pakistan into the eastern province of Nuristan. The operation took place in Kamdesh following an incursion intended to launch attacks. Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense claimed that the crossing group included Islamic State militants alongside former Afghan government security personnel, and alleged that Pakistani militias supported the fighters. Islamabad's information ministry rejected these claims, dismissing links to the reported violence in Nuristan as frivolous while both nations trade mutual accusations over cross-border conflict.
Why it matters
Cross-border violence and accusations regarding militant sanctuaries have increasingly strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Recent military friction includes Pakistani reports of security forces killing Afghan Taliban personnel during separate border engagements. The latest incident highlights the ongoing volatility along the frontier and the sharp disagreement between the two governments over border security.
What is confirmed
- Afghanistan's defense ministry stated that its forces killed 28 fighters and wounded or captured 32 others in Nuristan province.
- The Ministry of Defense alleged that the crossing group included Islamic State militants and mostly former Afghan security personnel backed by Pakistani militias.
- Pakistan's information ministry rejected Afghan claims linking Islamabad to the reported violence in Nuristan.
Still unconfirmed
- Surviving fighters fled back across the border toward Pakistani militia positions following the Afghan military operation.
What to watch next
- Further official statements or evidence from Islamabad or Kabul regarding the Kamdesh clashes
- Developments in bilateral security talks or retaliatory military movements along the border
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (15)
- Al Jazeera — Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed as Islamabad, Kabul trade accusations
- Dawn — Info ministry rejects Afghan Taliban's 'frivolous' claims linking Pakistan to reported Nuristan violence
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — 28 'fighters', mostly former Afghan security personnel, killed after crossing from Pakistan: Kabul
- apnews.com — Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed, 32 captured after crossing from Pakistan
- The Jerusalem Post — Afghanistan says it killed 28 fighters, wounded 32 after group crosses over from Pakistan
- www.aljazeera.com — Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed as Islamabad, Kabul trade accusations
- Pajhwok Afghan News — Pakistan-supported armed groups heavily defeated in Nuristan’s Kamdesh: MoD
- ANews — Pakistan, Afghanistan trade accusations as both claim killing dozens of militants
- www.aljazeera.com — Pakistani forces kill Afghan Taliban fighters in border escalation | Border Disputes News
- خبرگزاری اطلس — Taliban Says 28 Killed, 32 Arrested in Clash in Kamdish
- dawatmedia24.com — Afghanistan Says 28 Fighters Killed After Crossing from Pakistan; Islamabad Denies Ties - DawatMedia24
- www.wsls.com — 13 Afghan Taliban personnel killed in overnight border clash, Pakistan says. Kabul denies the claim - WSL....
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