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PESHAWAR - The already tense relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan took a turn for the worse when unidentified Afghan terrorists attacked a security checkpost in Kurram Agency on Wednesday, as clashes in neighboring Orakzai Agency left three soldiers and 10 militants dead in the latest acts of violence in the country troubled northwest.
Reports said dozens of armed militants raided a paramilitary checkpoint in Orakzai, sparking clashes that left three soldiers and at least 10 attackers dead, officials said.
“More than 30 militants attacked a Frontier Corps checkpost in Dabori area of Orakzai on Wednesday afternoon and killed three security persons,” a security official told AFP in Peshawar.
“The security forces responded to the attack with full force and used helicopters for shelling on militants. At least 10 militants were killed in the response.” Seven troops were injured during the firefight.
In the Kurram attack, officials said a group of armed militants attacked a security forces checkpost set up in Ali Nagar sector of the agency, injuring two security personnel. However, the security forces successfully repulsed the attack. Officials said militants entered Kurram Agency from Paktia province of Afghanistan. The Afghan government has so far not commented on the attack.
Accusations of cross-border attacks and infiltrations are being traded between Islamabad and Kabul for some time now, with both handing out strict warnings to the other to rein in unbridled militants on their sides. A few days ago, Kunar Governor Fazalullah Wahidi accused Pakistan of firing more than 300 rockets and mortar shells that landed in Afghanistan.
He claimed four civilians had been killed and several others injured by the salvo, while a formal protest was lodged with the Pakistani ambassador in Kabul. However, the Foreign Office rejected the allegations.
The Afghan governor slapped the allegations soon after PM Raja Pervez Ashraf’s daylong trip to Kabul.
Earlier, Pakistan had expressed serious concern over the failure of Afghan and NATO forces to reign in Taliban who launched several attacks on Pakistani troops in Bajaur Agency and Upper Dir district.
Pakistan had also summoned the Afghan ambassador to the Foreign Office to hand him a formal letter of protest.
The Pentagon also jumped in the scene on Wednesday to ease the rising tensions, saying it was involved in negotiations with both countries to soothe frequent exchange of accusations.