Fresh deadly clashes have erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with both sides accusing each other of violating a fragile ceasefire.
Residents of the Afghan border city of Spin Boldak fled overnight as intense gunfire erupted along the 1,600-mile (2,574 km) frontier.
A medical official in Kandahar reported that a local hospital received four bodies, while Pakistani authorities confirmed three injuries on their side of the border.
The renewed confrontation follows months of sporadic skirmishes, during which Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have repeatedly accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes on Afghan territory.
Both sides report exchanging fire for roughly four hours overnight but continue to blame the other for initiating the violence.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Mosharraf Zaidi, stated that the Taliban opened fire first, describing it as “unprovoked firing.” He added, “An immediate, befitting, and intense response has been given by our armed forces. Pakistan remains fully alert and committed to protecting its territorial integrity and the safety of our citizens.”
The Taliban, however, rejected Pakistan’s claims, insisting that Islamabad “once again initiates attacks,” forcing Afghan forces to respond in self-defense.
Footage from the region shows large numbers of Afghans fleeing on foot and by vehicle, with residents of surrounding towns also evacuating amid fears the clashes may escalate.
The latest violence comes less than two months after Qatar and Turkey mediated a ceasefire, which had halted the worst fighting between Pakistan and the Taliban since the group seized power in 2021. Despite the agreement, tensions remain high.
Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of sheltering armed groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil. The Taliban deny the allegations, claiming Islamabad is trying to deflect responsibility for its “own security failures.”
Last week, delegations from both countries met in Saudi Arabia for a fourth round of talks aimed at securing broader peace. Although no final agreement was reached, sources familiar with the negotiations said both sides agreed to continue honoring the ceasefire—even as new clashes erupted.
