{
  "id": 15363337,
  "title": "Scores of Taliban killed as army retaliates border fire",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/scores-of-taliban-killed-as-army-retaliates-border-fire",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T19:43:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Express Tribune - Pakistan",
    "slug": "the-express-tribune-pakistan",
    "url": "https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635444/scores-of-taliban-killed-as-army-retaliates-border-fire"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Pakistan Army retaliated against unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Upper Kurram and Ghozgarhi regions, killing several Taliban personnel, according to state media on Saturday. The army targeted the Afghan Taliban's Topsar post and Shipola base camp in Upper Kurram with artillery, destroying the base camp and killing several militants. Following the response, some Taliban personnel abandoned a border post, and an ongoing exchange of fire occurred in the area. Earlier, another incident of unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban in the Kurram sector prompted the Pakistan Army to respond with heavy weapons, resulting in the destruction of more Taliban posts and the retreat of personnel. The army remains vigilant in defending the country's borders and preserving national security. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan denied suggestions that Pakistan was unwilling to engage with Afghanistan, stating that Pakistan would welcome sincere efforts from friendly countries to address security concerns and promote regional peace. Russia has indicated its willingness to mediate between the two nations, though Pakistan denies any current mediation efforts. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have persisted in recent years due to concerns over cross-border terrorism.",
  "summary": "Forces respond to unprovoked firing along Kurram border",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}