At least six soldiers and four militants were killed after a fierce gun battle in Pakistan’s North Waziristan near the Afghan border, the military said on Tuesday (August 22).&nbsp;

This comes amid a rise in border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan as the latter has witnessed a sharp rise in militant attacks since the Afghan Taliban came back to power two years ago.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in the area and put the toll at 18 troops.

<h2>What did the Pakistan army say?</h2>

“During an intense exchange of fire, six brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom,” said the Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, adding that the clash took place in North Waziristan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-to-hold-talks-about-cross-border-terrorism-shared-security-concerns-source-617183">Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold talks about cross-border terrorism, ‘shared security concerns’</a>

It also said “four terrorists were sent to hell” during an intense exchange of fire, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

The rugged border region has long been a safe haven for militants linked to both domestic Islamists fighting to overthrow the Pakistan government, and the Afghan Taliban prior to their return to power in 2021. &nbsp;

<h2>Pakistan’s Taliban claim responsibility for the attack</h2>

Pakistan’s Taliban or Tehreek–e–Taliban Pakistan (TTP) who have claimed responsibility for the attack said it&nbsp;“successfully ambushed two army vehicles...in which 18 army personnel were killed.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-support-to-taliban-regime-emboldens-terror-inside-its-borders-un-report-619894">Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report</a>

At least 11 labourers were killed after a bomb blast in North Waziristan on Saturday, said a senior government official.&nbsp;

The device attached to a vehicle they were travelling in exploded on Saturday evening, the official said, adding that the labourers were working at an under-construction post for the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-overtakes-afghanistan-as-country-with-most-terror-attacks-report-572748">Pakistan overtakes Afghanistan as country with most terror attacks: Report</a> 
 
Reports suggest that the recent attacks by the TTP in Pakistan have largely been focused on regions close to the border with Afghanistan. 
 
Pakistan has previously alleged that some of the attacks have been planned on Afghan soil, however, Afghanistan has since denied these accusations.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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At least six soldiers and four militants were killed after a fierce gun battle in Pakistan’s North Waziristan near the Afghan border, the military said on Tuesday (August 22).

At least six soldiers and four militants were killed after a fierce gun battle in Pakistan’s North Waziristan near the Afghan border, the military said on Tuesday (August 22). This comes amid a rise in border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan as the latter has witnessed a sharp rise in militant attacks since the Afghan Taliban came back to power two years ago. Pakistan’s Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in the area and put the toll at 18 troops. What did the Pakistan army say? “During an intense exchange of fire, six brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom,” said the Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, adding that the clash took place in North Waziristan. ALSO READ | Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold talks about cross-border terrorism, ‘shared security concerns’ It also said “four terrorists were sent to hell” during an intense exchange of fire, as quoted by AFP. The rugged border region has long been a safe haven for militants linked to both domestic Islamists fighting to overthrow the Pakistan government, and the Afghan Taliban prior to their return to power in 2021. Pakistan’s Taliban claim responsibility for the attack Pakistan’s Taliban or Tehreek–e–Taliban Pakistan (TTP) who have claimed responsibility for the attack said it “successfully ambushed two army vehicles...in which 18 army personnel were killed.” ALSO READ | Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report At least 11 labourers were killed after a bomb blast in North Waziristan on Saturday, said a senior government official. The device attached to a vehicle they were travelling in exploded on Saturday evening, the official said, adding that the labourers were working at an under-construction post for the Pakistan Army. ALSO READ | Pakistan overtakes Afghanistan as country with most terror attacks: Report Reports suggest that the recent attacks by the TTP in Pakistan have largely been focused on regions close to the border with Afghanistan. Pakistan has previously alleged that some of the attacks have been planned on Afghan soil, however, Afghanistan has since denied these accusations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Six soldiers, four militants killed after clashes near Afghan border: Pakistan Army

In a major escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Sunday, rocket fire from the Afghanistan Taliban forces at a border crossing with Pakistan led to the death of six civilians while another two dozen were reportedly injured.

The firing near the town of Chaman in Balochistan province, as per the Pakistani military resulted in the death of six civilians. Additionally, more than a dozen were wounded by the &nbsp;"unprovoked and indiscriminate fire" said the statement.

Watch |&nbsp;6 Pak civilians, 1 Taliban soldier killed at Spin Boldak in fresh series of mortar attack

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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement on Twitter demanded that "the Afghan Interim government should ensure that such incidents are not repeated."

Confirming the incident, the Pakistani military reported that they have taken a "befitting albeit measured response against the uncalled for aggression" adding that they have avoided "targeting innocent civilians in the area."&nbsp;

"Pakistan has also approached Afghan authorities at Kabul to highlight (the) severity of the situation and demanded strict action to obviate any such recurrence of the incident in future."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uncalled-for-aggression-six-pakistanis-one-afghan-soldier-die-in-cross-border-clash-542118">'Uncalled for aggression': Six Pakistanis, one Afghan soldier die in cross-border clash</a>

Reportedly the clash happened after Afghan Taliban forces tried to cut a part of the border fence said a senior provincial official while speaking with AFP.

Afghani security sources said that the clash started after Pakistan forces demanded that Afghan forces stop building a check post on their side of the border.

However, an Afghan official Noor Ahmad as per Reuters claimed that the incident was accidental and the situation is normal following talks between the two sides.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border Chaman as per an IANS report has been closed following the incident. In November it was closed for eight days and was only opened on November 21.

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Since the Taliban took over the nation in August 2021, border tensions between Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan have risen.&nbsp;

Islamabad alleges that the Taliban is harbouring members of the Pakistani militant group &nbsp;Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) &nbsp;who are planning an attack from the Afghan side. However, the Taliban has denied these claims.

Reportedly there has been a 51 per cent increase in attacks on Pakistan, and on November 28, the group ended a ceasefire with Pakistan and resumed attacks on the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a major escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Sunday, rocket fire from the Afghanistan Taliban forces at a border crossing with Pakistan led to the death of six civilians while another two dozen were reportedly injured.

In a major escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Sunday, rocket fire from the Afghanistan Taliban forces at a border crossing with Pakistan led to the death of six civilians while another two dozen were reportedly injured. The firing near the town of Chaman in Balochistan province, as per the Pakistani military resulted in the death of six civilians. Additionally, more than a dozen were wounded by the "unprovoked and indiscriminate fire" said the statement. Watch | 6 Pak civilians, 1 Taliban soldier killed at Spin Boldak in fresh series of mortar attack Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement on Twitter demanded that "the Afghan Interim government should ensure that such incidents are not repeated." Confirming the incident, the Pakistani military reported that they have taken a "befitting albeit measured response against the uncalled for aggression" adding that they have avoided "targeting innocent civilians in the area." "Pakistan has also approached Afghan authorities at Kabul to highlight (the) severity of the situation and demanded strict action to obviate any such recurrence of the incident in future." Also read | 'Uncalled for aggression': Six Pakistanis, one Afghan soldier die in cross-border clash Reportedly the clash happened after Afghan Taliban forces tried to cut a part of the border fence said a senior provincial official while speaking with AFP. Afghani security sources said that the clash started after Pakistan forces demanded that Afghan forces stop building a check post on their side of the border. However, an Afghan official Noor Ahmad as per Reuters claimed that the incident was accidental and the situation is normal following talks between the two sides. The Pakistan-Afghanistan border Chaman as per an IANS report has been closed following the incident. In November it was closed for eight days and was only opened on November 21. Also read | Pakistan PM's son Suleman Shahbaz returns home from London to face graft charges Since the Taliban took over the nation in August 2021, border tensions between Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan have risen. Islamabad alleges that the Taliban is harbouring members of the Pakistani militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) who are planning an attack from the Afghan side. However, the Taliban has denied these claims. Reportedly there has been a 51 per cent increase in attacks on Pakistan, and on November 28, the group ended a ceasefire with Pakistan and resumed attacks on the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pak PM warns Taliban 'ensure such incidents aren’t repeated', after firing along Afghan border kills six

Airstrikes by the Pakistani military have killed at least 47 people in Khost and Kunar provinces located in eastern Afghanistan.

Shabir Ahmad Osmani, director of information and culture in Khost told AFP,&nbsp;"Forty-one civilians, mainly women and children, were killed and 22 others were wounded in airstrikes by Pakistani forces near the Durand line in Khost province."

Pakistan's foreign ministry&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;said in a statement, "In the last few days, incidents along the Pak-Afghan border have significantly increased, wherein, Pakistani security forces are being targeted from across the border."&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, elements of banned terrorist groups in the border region, including TTP, have continued to attack Pakistan's border security posts, resulting in the martyrdom of several Pakistani troops," it added.

It has called on Taliban authorities to take action against militants on Afghan soil.

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The statement comes a day after the Pakistani military claimed to kill six Afghans in alleged rocket attacks. These included five children and a woman living in Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar.

In protest against the strikes, Pakistan's ambassador in Kabul was summoned by Taliban authorities.

In its defence, Pakistan said the attacks were carried out ''with impunity.'' It claimed that they were a result of the failure of Afghan authorities in curbing militants.

Denying these claims, the Taliban said that since they took over Afghanistan in August last year, they have controlled cross-border attacks.

"UNAMA is deeply concerned by reports of civilian casualties, including women and children, as a result of airstrikes in Khost &amp; Kunar provinces," said the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-official-slams-pak-for-sending-inedible-wheat-says-indias-far-better-reports-459159">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports</a>

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a Pashtun Islamist armed militant group based on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It shares a similar ideology with the Afghan Taliban.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban government said, "This is a cruelty and it is paving the way for enmity between Afghanistan and Pakistan."

"The Pakistani side should know that if a war starts it will not be in the interest of any side."

"The defeat of the United States eight months ago was a good lesson to aggressors who want to disrespect Afghanistan's territory and freedom," he added.

Islamabad is erecting a fence along its 2,700-kilometre (1,600-mile) border amid rising tensions between the neighbours. This has infuriated Taliban authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Airstrikes by the Pakistani military have killed at least 47 people in Khost and Kunar provinces located in eastern Afghanistan. Shabir Ahmad Osmani, director of information and culture in Khost told AFP, "Forty-one civilians, mainly women and children, were killed and 22 others were wounded in airstrikes by Pakistani forces near the Durand line in Khost province.

Airstrikes by the Pakistani military have killed at least 47 people in Khost and Kunar provinces located in eastern Afghanistan. Shabir Ahmad Osmani, director of information and culture in Khost told AFP, "Forty-one civilians, mainly women and children, were killed and 22 others were wounded in airstrikes by Pakistani forces near the Durand line in Khost province." Pakistan's foreign ministry on Sunday said in a statement, "In the last few days, incidents along the Pak-Afghan border have significantly increased, wherein, Pakistani security forces are being targeted from across the border." "Unfortunately, elements of banned terrorist groups in the border region, including TTP, have continued to attack Pakistan's border security posts, resulting in the martyrdom of several Pakistani troops," it added. It has called on Taliban authorities to take action against militants on Afghan soil. The statement comes a day after the Pakistani military claimed to kill six Afghans in alleged rocket attacks. These included five children and a woman living in Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar. In protest against the strikes, Pakistan's ambassador in Kabul was summoned by Taliban authorities. In its defence, Pakistan said the attacks were carried out ''with impunity.'' It claimed that they were a result of the failure of Afghan authorities in curbing militants. Denying these claims, the Taliban said that since they took over Afghanistan in August last year, they have controlled cross-border attacks. "UNAMA is deeply concerned by reports of civilian casualties, including women and children, as a result of airstrikes in Khost & Kunar provinces," said the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Also read | Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a Pashtun Islamist armed militant group based on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It shares a similar ideology with the Afghan Taliban. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban government said, "This is a cruelty and it is paving the way for enmity between Afghanistan and Pakistan." "The Pakistani side should know that if a war starts it will not be in the interest of any side." "The defeat of the United States eight months ago was a good lesson to aggressors who want to disrespect Afghanistan's territory and freedom," he added. Islamabad is erecting a fence along its 2,700-kilometre (1,600-mile) border amid rising tensions between the neighbours. This has infuriated Taliban authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani military air strikes kill at least 47 people in Afghanistan

Pakistan is closing one of its two border crossings with Afghanistan for a week to prevent the spread of coronavirus, officials said Sunday.

The announcement comes a day after Pakistan detected two new cases of the virus bringing the total number of infected patients to four.

Officials said the Chaman/Spinboldak crossing point would close from Monday, but a second point at Torkhum in the northwest would remain open.

Pakistan is sandwiched between China and Iran -- which are both fighting major outbreaks -- sparking fears about the country's ability to cope with an epidemic of its own.

The country has suspended all flights to Iran and closed land borders.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are divided by the "Durand Line", a 2,400-kilometre (1,500-mile) frontier with Villages straddling the border and mosques and houses having one door in Pakistan and another in Afghanistan.

The virus has now killed more than 2,900 people and infected over 83,000 worldwide, with an increasing number of new cases being reported each day.

Pakistan is closing one of its two border crossings with Afghanistan for a week to prevent the spread of coronavirus, officials said Sunday. The announcement comes a day after Pakistan detected two new cases of the virus bringing the total number of infected patients to four.

Pakistan is closing one of its two border crossings with Afghanistan for a week to prevent the spread of coronavirus, officials said Sunday. The announcement comes a day after Pakistan detected two new cases of the virus bringing the total number of infected patients to four. Officials said the Chaman/Spinboldak crossing point would close from Monday, but a second point at Torkhum in the northwest would remain open. Pakistan is sandwiched between China and Iran -- which are both fighting major outbreaks -- sparking fears about the country's ability to cope with an epidemic of its own. The country has suspended all flights to Iran and closed land borders. Pakistan and Afghanistan are divided by the "Durand Line", a 2,400-kilometre (1,500-mile) frontier with Villages straddling the border and mosques and houses having one door in Pakistan and another in Afghanistan. The virus has now killed more than 2,900 people and infected over 83,000 worldwide, with an increasing number of new cases being reported each day.

Pakistan closes Afghan border crossing over virus fears

Pakistan on Friday closed down two main border crossings with Afghanistan for two days on the request of Kabul to facilitate the smooth conduct of upcoming parliamentary elections in the war-torn country.

The Foreign Office said that the Afghan government sent a request to keep the friendship gates on Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing points at Chaman and Torkham closed on October 19 and 20.

"The decision (to shut gates) has been taken to support Afghanistan in smooth conduct of upcoming Parliamentary elections in the country (on Saturday)," the FO said.

It further said that both the crossing points will remain closed for all kinds of traffic except emergency cases.

Thousands of people cross into the two neighbours every day for business, medical treatment and meet relatives.

Pakistan on Friday closed down two main border crossings with Afghanistan for two days on the request of Kabul to facilitate the smooth conduct of upcoming parliamentary elections in the war-torn country.

Pakistan on Friday closed down two main border crossings with Afghanistan for two days on the request of Kabul to facilitate the smooth conduct of upcoming parliamentary elections in the war-torn country. The Foreign Office said that the Afghan government sent a request to keep the friendship gates on Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing points at Chaman and Torkham closed on October 19 and 20. "The decision (to shut gates) has been taken to support Afghanistan in smooth conduct of upcoming Parliamentary elections in the country (on Saturday)," the FO said. It further said that both the crossing points will remain closed for all kinds of traffic except emergency cases. Thousands of people cross into the two neighbours every day for business, medical treatment and meet relatives.

Pakistan closes 2 border gates ahead of Afghan elections

Pakistan has returned the five remaining helicopters to the United States that were given to them to monitor its border with Afghanistan.

According to the Geo News, the US&nbsp;gave a total of nine helicopters to Pakistan in 2002, out of which four were returned on October 15.

The Ministry of Interior&#39;s air wing had been using the choppers for anti-narcotics operations and combating terrorism, according to sources.

Now, it would be difficult to monitor the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as the Ministry of Interior is left with only three Cessna aircraft in the air wing, the insiders added

Pakistan has returned the five remaining helicopters to the United States that were given to them to monitor its border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan has returned the five remaining helicopters to the United States that were given to them to monitor its border with Afghanistan. According to the Geo News, the US gave a total of nine helicopters to Pakistan in 2002, out of which four were returned on October 15. The Ministry of Interior's air wing had been using the choppers for anti-narcotics operations and combating terrorism, according to sources. Now, it would be difficult to monitor the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as the Ministry of Interior is left with only three Cessna aircraft in the air wing, the insiders added

Pakistan returns helicopters given by US

A&nbsp;Pakistani army officer died on Tuesday after being shot by Afghan forces in a border clash,&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s military said, a development likely to ratchet up tension between the neighbours who sources said were beefing up troop numbers on either side.

The main gates at Torkham, the most frequented official border crossing at the end of the Khyber Pass, stayed closed for a third day, leaving thousands stranded on either side.

Firing between&nbsp;Pakistani and Afghan forces first broke out on Sunday at the crossing, about 45 kilometres&nbsp;west of Peshawar, over the construction of a new border post on the&nbsp;Pakistani side.

Pakistan&#39;s army chief attended funeral prayers on Tuesday for Major Jawad Ali Changezi, who was among nine&nbsp;Pakistani and six Afghan troops wounded in the fighting, security officials said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s office and the&nbsp;Pakistani military&#39;s press wing also confirmed Changezi&#39;s death.

One Afghan soldier was killed, Afghan officials had said on Monday.

Relations between&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;and Afghanistan have been strained for months. Kabul says Pakistan&nbsp;harbours militants seeking to overthrow the Afghan government, among them the Haqqani network and the leadership of the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan&nbsp;denies it supports militants and says it is building the gate to stop militants from crossing the border.

&quot;This gate (is) considered essential to check and verify documentation of all border crossers,&quot; Asim Bajwa, chief spokesman for the&nbsp;Pakistani military, said on social media website Twitter on Monday.

Afghanistan summoned the&nbsp;Pakistani ambassador on Tuesday to register its protest at the violence, Afghanistan&#39;s foreign ministry said.&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;had similarly summoned the Afghan charge d&#39;affaires in Islamabad on Monday, the&nbsp;Pakistani foreign office said.

The&nbsp;Pakistani army had moved heavy weaponry and additional troops to the Afghan border on Monday night, said&nbsp;Pakistani security officials, who asked not to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

On Monday, an Afghan border police commander also confirmed that reinforcements had been deployed to the Afghan side of the border.

In Afghanistan&#39;s eastern city of Jalalabad, more than a thousand mourners attended funeral prayers on Tuesday for the dead Afghan soldier. Angry protesters chanted &quot;Death to&nbsp;Pakistan&quot;.

Hundreds of demonstrators burned&nbsp;Pakistani flags at another protest in the southern Afghan city of Lashkar Gah.

The&nbsp;Pakistan-Afghanistan border has long been porous and disputed. Afghanistan has blocked repeated attempts by&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;to build a fence on sections of the roughly 2,200-km&nbsp;frontier, rejecting the contours of the boundary. 
(Reuters)

Torkham's main gates stayed closed for a third day, leaving thousands on either side stranded

A Pakistani army officer died on Tuesday after being shot by Afghan forces in a border clash, Pakistan's military said, a development likely to ratchet up tension between the neighbours who sources said were beefing up troop numbers on either side. The main gates at Torkham, the most frequented official border crossing at the end of the Khyber Pass, stayed closed for a third day, leaving thousands stranded on either side. Firing between Pakistani and Afghan forces first broke out on Sunday at the crossing, about 45 kilometres west of Peshawar, over the construction of a new border post on the Pakistani side. Pakistan's army chief attended funeral prayers on Tuesday for Major Jawad Ali Changezi, who was among nine Pakistani and six Afghan troops wounded in the fighting, security officials said. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office and the Pakistani military's press wing also confirmed Changezi's death. One Afghan soldier was killed, Afghan officials had said on Monday. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained for months. Kabul says Pakistan harbours militants seeking to overthrow the Afghan government, among them the Haqqani network and the leadership of the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan denies it supports militants and says it is building the gate to stop militants from crossing the border. "This gate (is) considered essential to check and verify documentation of all border crossers," Asim Bajwa, chief spokesman for the Pakistani military, said on social media website Twitter on Monday. Afghanistan summoned the Pakistani ambassador on Tuesday to register its protest at the violence, Afghanistan's foreign ministry said. Pakistan had similarly summoned the Afghan charge d'affaires in Islamabad on Monday, the Pakistani foreign office said. The Pakistani army had moved heavy weaponry and additional troops to the Afghan border on Monday night, said Pakistani security officials, who asked not to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media. On Monday, an Afghan border police commander also confirmed that reinforcements had been deployed to the Afghan side of the border. In Afghanistan's eastern city of Jalalabad, more than a thousand mourners attended funeral prayers on Tuesday for the dead Afghan soldier. Angry protesters chanted "Death to Pakistan". Hundreds of demonstrators burned Pakistani flags at another protest in the southern Afghan city of Lashkar Gah. The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has long been porous and disputed. Afghanistan has blocked repeated attempts by Pakistan to build a fence on sections of the roughly 2,200-km frontier, rejecting the contours of the boundary. (Reuters)

Afghanistan, Pak increase troops at Khyber Pass border after fatal military clash