Peshawar: A suicide bombing near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan has killed seven Pakistani soldiers, security officials reported on Friday, highlighting the fragile security situation along the frontier. The attack targeted a military convoy patrolling a volatile region that has long been a hotspot for militant activity.

The incident comes amid a tenuous ceasefire that had briefly paused days of intense clashes between Pakistan and Afghan-based militant groups earlier this month. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of providing safe haven to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters, who have carried out deadly attacks inside Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan has conducted multiple airstrikes targeting TTP leaders and camps across the border, actions that have occasionally resulted in civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

The TTP, an outlawed  militant group, has been responsible for some of Pakistan’s deadliest attacks in recent years, including assaults on schools, military installations, and public spaces. Analysts say the group continues to exploit the rugged terrain along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, making security operations difficult and putting both military personnel and civilians at risk.

In response to the latest attack, Pakistani security forces have increased patrols and launched investigations to identify those responsible. Officials have vowed to continue operations against militant networks to safeguard the nation’s border regions.

The United Nations and international observers have repeatedly urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain diplomatic engagement to prevent further loss of life. Previous cross-border clashes and airstrikes have drawn criticism for harming civilians and inflaming regional instability.

This attack underscores the enduring volatility of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where militant groups exploit porous borders and political tensions continue to complicate peace efforts. For Pakistan, the incident is a grim reminder of the persistent threats posed by insurgent groups despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.