Deadly Border Clashes Resume Between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban

Fresh clashes erupted overnight along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with both sides blaming each other for breaking a fragile ceasefire. The fighting took place near the Afghan city of Spin Boldak, forcing residents to flee, while neighbouring towns also saw civilians leaving in fear, BBC reported. 

A local hospital in Kandahar reported four fatalities, and three injuries were reported on the Pakistani side. Officials from both countries confirmed the exchange of fire, though each accused the other of initiating the attack. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson described the Taliban’s actions as “unprovoked firing,” while a Taliban representative claimed Pakistan had “initiated attacks” first.

The clashes come less than two months after a Qatar- and Turkey-mediated ceasefire ended the heaviest fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Tensions have remained high, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of harboring armed groups carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, a claim the Afghan government denies.

Last week, delegations from both sides met in Saudi Arabia for a fourth round of peace talks, agreeing to continue the ceasefire despite failing to reach a wider settlement.