Deadly Clashes Erupt Along the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border
Dozens of people have been killed and injured in fresh clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, highlighting growing tensions along the shared border. The violence spanned southeastern Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district and Pakistan’s Chaman district, marking a new spike in hostilities between the two neighbors.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani forces of initiating the attacks by firing “light and heavy weapons” into Afghan territory. According to Mujahid, at least 12 civilians were killed and over 100 injured. Spin Boldak district officials reported 15 civilian deaths, while hospital sources noted that around 80 women and children were among the wounded.
Conflicting Accounts of the Violence
Both sides have blamed each other for triggering the deadly border clash. The Afghan Taliban claimed their forces returned fire effectively, killing a “large number” of Pakistani soldiers, seizing weapons, and destroying military installations.
In contrast, Pakistani authorities said the Afghan Taliban fired first on military posts and nearby areas, causing casualties among both civilians and soldiers. Reuters cited unnamed security officials reporting six Pakistani soldiers killed during a roughly five-hour skirmish.
Local residents described the situation as chaotic, with some fleeing their homes due to shelling. Najibullah Khan, from Chaman, Pakistan, said, “People are in a very difficult situation. Shells are falling in people’s homes.”
Pakistan’s Military Response
Pakistan’s army released a statement asserting that its forces had “effectively repulsed” the Taliban attack, killing 15 to 20 militants and injuring others. The statement also referenced separate Afghan Taliban attacks in Kurram district, further north along the border.
“The insinuations that the attack was initiated by Pakistan are outrageous and blatant lies,” the statement read. “The Armed Forces stand resolute and fully prepared to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.”
Al Jazeera correspondent Kamal Hyder, reporting from the Torkham border crossing, described the fighting as a “serious escalation” that could potentially spark a wider conflict.
Escalating Tensions and Cross-Border Implications
The current flare-up follows a series of border incidents over the past week, resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides. Although fighting temporarily subsided after interventions from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, most border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain closed, affecting trade and local livelihoods.
Recent retaliatory attacks have intensified tensions. Kabul claimed to have targeted Pakistani military posts, killing 58 soldiers, while Pakistan reported losing 23 soldiers and killing over 200 “Taliban and affiliated terrorists.”
Pakistan has also accused Afghanistan of harboring fighters from the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), responsible for multiple attacks in Pakistan. Kabul denies this claim, asserting it does not allow its territory to be used for attacks on other nations.
Regional Dimensions and Diplomatic Strains
The conflict has further been influenced by Afghanistan’s recent diplomatic engagement with India. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India, drawing strong attention from Pakistan. Muttaqi stressed that while both countries aim for positive relations, “certain groups in Pakistan are trying to stir up unrest,” highlighting the delicate regional dynamics affecting the border conflict.
Conclusion: A Volatile Border and Uncertain Future
The latest Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes underscore persistent volatility in the region, with civilian populations facing displacement, casualties, and insecurity. Conflicting narratives, cross-border attacks, and regional diplomatic tensions indicate that this flashpoint is unlikely to be resolved quickly. Observers warn that without sustained dialogue and regional cooperation, future escalations could have serious humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.
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