PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Bajaur district witnessed a deadly escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after shelling by the Afghan Taliban targeted a civilian settlement, killing three people, including two children, and leaving three others seriously injured.
According to security sources, the attack took place in the border area of Katkot, in the village of Malik Shaheen, where what officials described as unprovoked aggression struck a residential compound. The casualties reportedly belonged to a single household, with a woman and two children losing their lives in the shelling. The injured were shifted to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.
Security officials claimed that the assault was carried out by elements of the Afghan Taliban, describing the act as a direct targeting of a civilian population. The incident has further heightened tensions in the already volatile border region, where sporadic cross-border incidents have been reported in recent months.
Sources added that the shelling followed a failed infiltration attempt into Pakistan by a group described as “Fitna al-Khawarij”, which officials say was being facilitated by Afghan Taliban elements. Pakistani security forces reportedly intercepted and foiled the attempted incursion through a timely response, preventing the group from entering Pakistani territory.
Following the unsuccessful infiltration, officials say that the Afghan Taliban resorted to targeting civilian areas in Bajaur. In response, the Pakistan Army carried out immediate retaliatory action, destroying the gun position from where the firing originated across the border.
Security sources further stated that Pakistani forces are continuing to engage and target multiple Afghan Taliban positions adjacent to Bajaur. These retaliatory strikes have reportedly resulted in significant casualties on the opposing side, although independent confirmation of these figures remains unavailable.
Residents of the affected areas have condemned the shelling, describing it as a cowardly act against unarmed civilians. Locals have also expressed solidarity with the country’s security forces, backing their response to the cross-border aggression.
Officials emphasised that the protection of civilian lives and property remains a top priority, adding that security forces are maintaining a high level of vigilance to ensure stability in the region. They described the targeting of civilian populations as evidence of hostile intent and growing desperation on the part of the attackers.
The situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continues to be closely monitored, with security forces on alert amid fears of further escalation.