IEA accuses Pakistan of firing on border security

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) said Wednesday that casualties were reported in clashes across the Durand Line on Tuesday after Pakistan opened fire.

IEA spokesman Bilal Karimi said Pakistani forces had tried to build a post close to the Durand Line and when approached by IEA officials, Pakistan opened fire.

“After that, mutual firing also took place, which may have caused casualties on the other side as well,” said Karimi.

“In general, this topic is under investigation and leaders have been informed; In order to prevent the construction of facilities in such nearby areas and the occurrence of such incidents in the future,” he said.

This comes after Pakistan media reported early Wednesday that three of their soldiers had been killed when fired on from Afghanistan.

According to Pakistan’s The Tribune, a statement issued by the Pakistan’s military media wing said terrorists from inside Afghanistan across the international border, opened fire on Pakistani troops in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistan Army troops responded. “As per credible intelligence reports, due to fire of own troops, terrorists suffered heavy casualties,” it added.

The statement said Pakistan strongly condemned the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and hopes the IEA will not allow such activities, in future.

The presence of TTP and its affiliates have remained a thorn in the relationship with Afghanistan even during the previous US-backed administrations.