In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Pakistani and Afghan forces clashed on Tuesday in a remote northwestern border region. According to Pakistan’s state-run media, Afghan troops initiated “unprovoked fire,” which was met with a robust response from Pakistani forces. The confrontation resulted in damage to Afghan tanks and military posts, as reported by Pakistan TV and two anonymous security officials. Tahir Ahrar, a deputy police spokesperson in Afghanistan’s Khost province, confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details. This marks the second time this week that the two nations have exchanged fire along their volatile border. Pakistan’s media alleged that Afghan forces, in collaboration with the Pakistani Taliban, targeted a Pakistani post in Kurram district without provocation, prompting a forceful retaliation. Additionally, Pakistani security officials claimed that the military destroyed a significant training facility operated by the Pakistani Taliban. The clashes come amid heightened tensions following airstrikes last week, which the Taliban government in Kabul attributed to Pakistan. Pakistan has not acknowledged these allegations but has previously conducted strikes inside Afghanistan, targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group it accuses Kabul of harboring. Afghanistan denies these accusations, asserting that its territory is not used against other nations. Despite appeals from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to de-escalate, all border crossings between the two countries remain closed, and the situation remains precarious.