Border Clash in Khost Leaves 19 Pakistani Soldiers Dead or Injured

Local sources in Khost province report that following a clash last night between Afghan and Pakistani forces along the Durand Line, approximately 19 Pakistani soldiers were killed or wounded. According to these sources, another soldier who was captured alive later died from his injuries.

According to the sources, the confrontation began when Pakistani forces targeted residential areas near the Tani district with artillery fire. In response, Afghan forces took defensive action, leading to an escalation of the skirmish between the two sides.

It has also been reported that a military outpost in the Israil Khel area was destroyed, with some of its ammunition falling into Afghan hands. However, official authorities have not yet commented on the details of the incident.

This event occurs amid ongoing political and diplomatic talks between officials from both sides in the city of Urumqi, China, at Pakistan’s request. The rising border tensions concurrent with these negotiations have heightened concerns over the fragile security situation along the Durand Line.