In a severe clash between insurgents and joint Afghan and foreign forces around 70 militants were killed in volatile eastern province, Paktika. Reportedly, a group of Taliban-led militants had attacked a NATO-led International Security Assistance Force's base in the province, and then harshly was responded by joint Afghan and NATO forces that proved costly for militants.

It has been only months that concerns rose over provinces bordering with Pakistan. Top American and other NATO members' Generals talk about a new military strategy to deal with militants in the border, who are realized a major threat to political stability and security situation as involved countries are preparing to scale down their military presence in the country.

President Obama's new military surge aimed to deal fundamental blow to militants' establishment and then handout security responsibilities to the Kabul government, the policy has worked out quiet in part of the country. As major joint armed struggle against militants in the two volatile provinces like Helmand and Kandahar, the principle headquarters of Taliban and its al-Qaeda ally, proved visibly fruitful and positive.

The new strategy largely focused on a sustained military presence in areas where militants were forced out, unlike former strategies which focused on sheer hunting insurgencies and then pulling out of the area. Thereafter, from wherever militants were forced out the Afghan security forces were assigned to protect civilians and do not let the area fall back to militants.

But the pressure on militants' main headquarters caused the spill-over of the insecurity. There are credible reports that militants have penetrated in previously peaceful areas and attack whatever and whoever is linked to Kabul government or its foreign allies.

One of the things which remained unnoticed was the substituting provinces like those of in the border with Pakistan. Presently these provinces have turned lethally dangerous. There is no doubt that border is porous and also linked with volatile areas of Pakistan, where Islamabad government exert least dominance.

Insurgents easily cross the border without feeling any danger, and then return back and hold operations. The situation has also caused tension between Kabul and Islamabad as Kabul officials allege that Pakistan do not take necessary measures to control the border and challenge escapees from the Afghanistan.

Anyhow, though provinces like Helmand and Kandahar are still too volatile, provinces in the border have caught eyes and cover headlines of domestic and international newspapers. And foreign forces go for insurgents' hunt there.