In a first such reported friction between the border forces of the two countries after August 15, Taliban forces snapped a barbed wire erected by Pakistani forces on the Durand Line which divides Afghanistan and Pakistan leading to localised military confrontation, the Afghan media reported on Tuesday. The incident took place in Gushta district in the eastern province of Nangarhar and the Taliban brought the destroyed barbed wire into Afghanistan.  Pakistan has nearly completed its barbed wiring on the entire Durand Line that stretches some 2,400 km with Afghanistan.

The Taliban-appointed head of the General Directorate of Intelligence of Nagarhar province, Doctor Bashir, led the operation, it was reported. A video clip from the scene showed Bashir warning the Pakistani forces with harsh repercussions if they put up the barbed wire again.

"Next time if you look at Afghanistan, I will come and make this area ... my frontline to wage war with you. I swear by Allah that waging war with you makes me happier than waging war with Jews," Bashir said.

According to unconfirmed sources, Pakistani forces launched an artillery attack on Kunar province on Monday night after the Gushta incident.

The Durand line, established by the British in 1893, is recognized as the western border of Pakistan. But Afghanistan has refused to recognize it as it divides Pushtuns (Pathans) on both sides of the border (SAM)