Dozens of people have been killed or wounded in fresh clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, highlighting rising tensions between the two neighbors. The brief but intense flare-up took place in southeastern Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district and Pakistan’s Chaman district. Both sides have accused each other of initiating the violence. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani forces opened fire using light and heavy weapons, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring over 100. Local officials in Spin Boldak reported 15 civilian deaths, with many women and children among the wounded. Mujahid added that Afghan forces returned fire, targeting Pakistani military installations.
Pakistan’s authorities, however, claimed Afghan Taliban forces first attacked a Pakistani post, resulting in casualties on both sides. Pakistani security sources reported six soldiers killed and four civilians wounded. The Pakistan Army stated its forces repelled the attacks and defended the country’s sovereignty. Residents on both sides of the border have reported a situation of elevated tension, even causing some families to evacuate. Although fighting has ceased in the short term, the situation is very charged and there are still limited border crossings. Slowly escalating skirmishes, observers warn, could lead to widespread unrest, with disastrous consequences for both local communities and regional stability.
