Taliban Fighter Killed in Clash with Pakistani Forces: Sources

Local sources said a Taliban fighter was killed in Pakistani territory during a clash with Pakistani forces.

The sources told Hasht-e Subh on Tuesday, Feb. 17, that the fighter was named Numan and hailed from Sanchark district in northern Sar-e Pol province. They said he had been active alongside other Taliban fighters in Pakistan for some time and was killed by Pakistani military personnel overnight.

Published reports cited in the account indicate the incident confirms the presence of Taliban fighters alongside the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group.

Pakistani officials have previously claimed that terrorist groups conduct military operations against Pakistan from Afghan soil, assertions the Taliban have consistently denied.

Mohammad Sadiq, former special representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan, stated he had discussed activities of terrorist groups based in Afghanistan with the Russian ambassador in Islamabad.

Asif Durrani, another former special representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan, said ignoring or downplaying the presence of terrorist groups does not benefit Afghanistan, increases international concerns and prolongs the country's isolation.