Pakistani-Afghan border clash kills 5, injures 3

ISLAMABAD (AA) – At least five people were killed and three injured in a border clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan, according to local media reports.

The Afghan Defense Ministry confirmed the clash in a statement posted on X, claiming that its forces conducted attacks inside Pakistani territory targeting “miscreants’ hideouts.”

“Several points beyond the ‘assumptive lines’ (Afghanistan-Pakistan border) where the attacks in Afghanistan were organized and coordinated from wicked elements’ hideaways, centers, and supporters were targeted in retaliation from the southern side of the country,” the ministry said.

However, the ministry did not explain “miscreants” or provide additional information about the casualties and locations targeted within Pakistani territory.

According to Kabul-based Tolo News, Pakistani forces fired a mortar shell in the Dand-e-Patan district of Paktika province, killing at least five people and injuring three.

Following clashes, approximately 1,000 people fled to the neighboring Alisher district of Khost province.

The Pakistani army has yet to confirm any clashes with Afghan forces.

The latest Afghan Defense Ministry claim comes after Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday confirmed that its forces carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing “terrorists.”

Following the airstrikes, Kabul said the Taliban administration “will not leave this cowardly act unanswered.”

However, Islamabad rejected the reports that Pakistan targeted children and women.

Meanwhile, at least four people were injured in an explosion in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Saturday.

According to Khalid Zadran, spokesperson for the Kabul Police Command, the explosion occurred near Shaikh Zayed Hospital, where the injured were taken for treatment.