Pakistan and Taliban Exchange Fire for Hours Across Kurram–Paktia Border

On October 17, 2026, Pakistani forces and Taliban troops traded light and heavy weapons fire for about four hours across Upper Kurram (Pakistan) and Paktia province (Afghanistan). Pakistani security sources say the army destroyed several Taliban posts and the crews fled; the Taliban's 203 Mansouri Corps says Pakistan fired first and the Taliban took no casualties. Afghan media reported seven Pakistani soldiers killed, which is unconfirmed. Casualty figures from both sides remain unverified.