Taliban Deputy Spokesman Reports Two Killed in Pakistani Border Attacks
Taliban deputy spokesman Hamadullah Fotrat reported that Pakistani forces launched attacks using missiles, drones, mortars and artillery on Afghan border provinces of Kunar, Paktika and Khost over the past day, killing two civilians and wounding 25 others, including children.
Fotrat provided details of specific incidents, including 155 shells fired on Sarkano and Manora areas in Kunar province where two children were wounded and one vehicle destroyed; dozens of shells in Nawa Pas De Sarki area of Sarkano wounding eight children and killing two people; a drone strike in Shakin district of Paktika wounding three; 185 shells in Sarkano wounding 10; 178 shells across various Kunar districts with no casualties reported; and a drone in Zazi Maidani district of Khost wounding two.
Local sources in Khost province reported Pakistani shelling targeting civilian homes in Tani district late Thursday, forcing families to flee, with clashes also in Gurbuz district and unverified casualties, according to Khaama Press. Amu TV noted the attacks were ongoing as of its report.
The cross-border violence comes as Taliban and Pakistani delegations prepare to hold talks in Urumqi, China, at Beijing's request, to discuss security, trade, good neighborliness and related issues, as confirmed by both Amu TV and Khaama Press.
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Where reports agree
- Pakistani forces shelling/attacking Afghan border areas, at least in Khost province
- Casualties reported from the attacks
- Ongoing talks between Taliban and Pakistan in China (Urumqi) to address tensions and security issues
Where reports differ
- Provinces/districts targeted: Amu TV specifies Kunar (Sarkano, Manora, etc.), Paktika (Shakin), Khost (Zazi Maidani); Khaama Press specifies Khost (Tani, Gurbuz)
- Casualty details: Amu TV gives precise totals (2 killed, 25 wounded) with breakdowns; Khaama Press notes unverified casualties
- Attribution: Amu TV direct from named Taliban official; Khaama Press from local residents/sources, not independently verified
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