Taliban-Pakistan Clash: Tanks Destroyed in Kurram, Outposts Seized, TTP Commanders Join Forces

Taliban-Pakistan Clash: Bloody conflict broke out again on the Durand Line between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Tuesday night. Heavy firing took place between the Afghan Taliban and the Pakistani Army in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which started after a few hours of lull. It focused on the 2,640-kilometer-long disputed border, which was created by the British-Afghan Treaty of 1893 but which Afghanistan considers a colonial plot to divide Pashtun tribes. According to Pakistani defense sources, the Taliban and the 'Fitna al-Khawarij' group launched an unprovoked attack, in response to which the Pakistan Army destroyed two Taliban tanks. The flames were clearly visible and the attackers had to retreat. Pakistan also captured a Taliban post.

Afghan claims: Drone attacks on Pak military bases 

On the other hand, Afghan-backed social media channels such as War Globe News and Afghanistan Defense made contrary claims. In the leaked video, Taliban drones were seen dropping bombs on Pakistani posts. According to Afghanistan Defense, 7 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the night attack. They claimed to target Daesh (ISIS-Khorasan) bases in Pakistan, from where Afghanistan is under threat. Both sides reported destroying each other's tanks and capturing posts, but independent verification is lacking. The Pak Army is on high alert and is confident of protecting every inch of the border.

New twist of TTP

Meanwhile, there was a major change in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Commander Mufti Abdur Rehman of Kurram and Sher Khan of the Tirah valley of Khyber swore loyalty to TTP chief Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud. This strengthened TTP's unity in the war against Pakistan, which could further increase regional instability.

Background and political rhetoric

This clash is a repeat of previous wars that were calmed down due to the intervention of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. On Tuesday itself, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had warned, "Tension on the border is at its peak; war can break out at any time." Right after that the firing started at night. Afghanistan demanded Pakistan hand over the leaders of ISIS-Khorasan—Shahab al-Muhajir, Abdul Hakim Tawhidi, Sultan Aziz and Salahuddin Rajab. An Islamic Emirate spokesman said, "These leaders plot attacks on Afghanistan while hiding in Pakistan." Pakistan considered the Taliban an invader.

Question of pashtun unity

This conflict again highlights the old dispute of the Durand Line, which hurts the unity of Pashtuns. The claims of both the countries are clashing on social media, but there is no sign of tension reducing. International mediation seems necessary for regional peace. Will this small skirmish become the beginning of a bigger conflict?