Afghanistan Claims 28 Fighters Killed as Pakistan Border Clashes Escalate
Afghanistan's Taliban government said its forces killed 28 fighters who crossed from Pakistan into Nuristan, accusing Pakistani intelligence of recruiting them. Pakistan rejected the claim as unfounded and denied involvement in the clashes. The reported ground battle followed a week of airstrikes, drone attacks, and shelling along the border, with mediation efforts by several countries.
Kabul's account says the dead included ex-members of Afghanistan's former security forces allegedly enlisted by Pakistani intelligence, plus Islamic State fighters said to be backed by Pakistani militias. Islamabad's information ministry denied any role by its forces or spy agencies in the Nuristan fighting, rejected claims it trained or recruited former Afghan troops, and said it had not aided ISIS or other armed groups.
The fighting followed a week of cross-border escalation. After Pakistani jets hit Kunar and Paktika on Sept. 21, the sides exchanged allegations of drone strikes and shelling; Pakistan later reported bombing 10 sites in three provinces. Mediation efforts by China, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia continued as each side's accounts remained unverified in closed border areas.
The escalation could most directly affect border communities in Nuristan, Kunar, Paktika and Khost, where residents may face displacement, disrupted trade, and fear of further strikes. It may also harden public narratives in both countries, complicating mediation and reducing space for civilian voices. If fighting persists, humanitarian access and cross-border livelihoods could suffer.