Pakistan Suicide Attack Kills 7 Soldiers Near Afghan Border Ahead of Doha Talks

A deadly suicide attack in North Waziristan has claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers and left 13 others injured, escalating tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border just hours before crucial peace talks in Doha.

According to Pakistani security officials, the coordinated assault targeted the Khaddi military camp in Mir Ali. Militants drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the boundary wall, while two additional attackers attempted to storm the facility and were subsequently neutralized by army personnel.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing involvement from its Khalid bin Waleed suicide unit and the Tehreek Taliban Gulbahadar. Pakistani forces responded by deploying attack helicopters, as clashes continued in the affected region.

Escalating Border Tensions

The assault comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following a Pakistani airstrike on Kabul last week. Both nations have accused each other of supporting cross-border militant activities. Earlier this week, a temporary 48-hour ceasefire was agreed upon, but it ended on Friday at 1300 GMT, further raising the stakes for border security.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Islamabad had retaliated after repeated militant attacks but emphasized his willingness to continue dialogue. In contrast, the Afghan Taliban denied the allegations, accusing Pakistan of spreading false information and supporting ISIS-linked groups to destabilize Afghanistan.

Separate Explosion in Bajaur

In a related incident, a powerful explosion rocked the Mamund Tangi Shah area in Bajaur. Authorities suspect an explosives-laden vehicle along the roadside caused the blast. No casualties have been reported yet, and security forces are investigating potential links to militant networks.

Implications for Doha Peace Talks

The attack’s timing, just ahead of the Islamabad-Kabul Doha peace talks, underscores the fragile security situation along the border. Analysts warn that cross-border militant activities and retaliatory strikes could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The TTP’s resurgence and the increasing use of suicide attacks in North Waziristan highlight the persistent security challenges Pakistan faces, even as both countries attempt to negotiate for long-term peace.