Afghan Taliban shelling kills 3 civilians in Bajaur, injures 3

At least three civilians, including two children, were killed and three others seriously injured after Afghan Taliban forces carried out cross-border shelling in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district, state-run PTV reported on Wednesday, citing security sources.

The incident took place in the border village of Malik Shaheen in the Katkot area, where, according to PTV, “unprovoked aggression” targeted a residential house, resulting in the deaths of a woman and her two children from the same family.

The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Security officials said Afghan Taliban elements had been attempting in recent days to facilitate the infiltration of militants, described as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” into Pakistani territory.

These attempts were thwarted due to timely action by Pakistani forces.

READ MORE: Four brothers martyred in Afghan Taliban cross-border shelling in Bajaur: Tarar

Following the failed infiltration, the sources alleged, Afghan Taliban forces resorted to targeting civilian populations across the border.

In response, the Pakistan Army carried out retaliatory strikes, destroying the firing position used for the attack.

The report said multiple Afghan Taliban posts along the Bajaur border were targeted, resulting in “heavy casualties” on the opposing side.

Residents of Bajaur condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act,” and expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s security forces.

“The armed forces remain vigilant and fully committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens and ensuring lasting peace in the region,” security sources were quoted as saying.

They added that targeting civilian populations reflects “desperation and malicious intent” on the part of the Afghan Taliban.