Heavy exchanges of fire broke out Tuesday evening between Pakistani and Afghan forces at multiple locations along the border, amid escalating tensions between the two sides, Pakistani security sources said.

According to the sources, clashes occurred in the areas of Bazar Zakhakhel, Waragha, Maro Sar and Shako along the frontier.

Heavy weapons were reportedly used by both sides, though no casualties had been confirmed.

Earlier, Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Pakistan for foreign media, said Afghan forces had initiated “unprovoked firing” in the Torkham and Tirah areas.

In a statement on social media platform X, he said Pakistani forces responded “immediately and effectively”, warning of a severe response to further provocation.

However, Sediqullah Nusrat, deputy spokesman for the Ministry of Defence of Afghanistan, said the confrontation began when Pakistani forces opened fire on Afghan personnel conducting routine patrols.

Tensions have been rising since Sunday, when Afghan authorities said Pakistani airstrikes in border areas killed 18 people and injured five others.

Pakistan stated that it carried out intelligence-based targeted strikes on seven militant camps and hideouts along the border following a series of suicide bombings, claiming more than 80 militants were killed. 

(Xinhua/NAN)