KHYBER: Heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in the border areas of Khyber district on the Pak-Afghan border reported on Thursday evening.
According to security sources, the clashes began at 5:15 pm, which intensified as soon as they were seen. Security sources have confirmed that bilateral firing took place at Maro Sar and Shah Kot Sar, important locations in the Bazar Zakha Khel area of Khyber district. Both sides are using heavy weapons including mortar shells and artillery against each other freely.
According to initial reports, no casualties have been reported so far, however, personnel deployed at border posts are on high alert. These clashes are taking place at a time when reports of “unprovoked firing” by the Afghan Taliban have also surfaced in the Torkham and Tirah sectors in the past few days, to which the Pakistan Army has responded forcefully.
Senior officials in the federal capital are closely monitoring the situation. Prime Minister’s Spokesperson for Foreign Media, Musharraf Zaidi, has made it clear in his recent statement that any provocation from across the border will be met with a swift and strong response.
Firing in the border areas has spread panic in the nearby populations and security forces have stopped the public from going near the border. Additional personnel have also been called in to the area.
