Four civilians and a soldier die in clash on Afghan-Pakistan border

Afghan officials reported that an overnight exchange of gunfire and artillery at the main crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of four civilians and one soldier, marking the latest outbreak of violence despite a ceasefire agreed in October.

According to government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, five additional civilians were injured in the incident. A hospital in the Pakistani border town of Chaman confirmed three cases of minor injuries.

Both nations blamed each other for initiating the attack near the ChamanSpin Boldak crossing. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated on social media that Pakistani forces began the assault in Kandahars Spin Boldak district, forcing Afghan forces to retaliate. Pakistan countered by asserting that Afghan troops fired first.

Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of information in Kandahar, reported that Pakistani units used heavy and light artillery, with mortar rounds landing directly on residential structures.

Homes Struck During Hours of Shelling

Residents on the Afghan side said the hostilities erupted around 10:30 pm and continued for nearly two hours. Local witness Mahmood Khan explained that initial light fire quickly escalated to tank and mortar strikes that damaged homes and wounded his relatives.

Another resident, Shamsullah, said his brother was killed by a mortar blast while trying to move to another room for safety. He noted that continued shelling made immediate evacuation impossible.

Across the border, labourer Muhammad Naeem described mortar fire landing on houses and nearby areas, prompting people to flee or remain in place due to heavy gunfire.

Rising Tensions Since 2021

Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have sharply deteriorated since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. Pakistan accuses the Taliban administration of sheltering militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), responsible for attacks inside Pakistan charges the Taliban deny.

More than 70 people were killed in clashes along the border in October before a ceasefire was negotiated. Multiple diplomatic rounds since then have failed to secure a long-term solution, keeping the crossing closed.

Last month, Kabul accused Pakistan of conducting deadly air strikes that killed ten people, most of them children. Pakistan rejected the allegation, while recently warning that the ceasefire is no longer effective due to ongoing militant operations.

Aid Route Still Expected to Open

Pakistan announced earlier in the week that it would partially reopen the Chaman crossing for humanitarian aid deliveries, with United Nations agencies expected to use the route. Officials clarified that the renewed border fighting would not interfere with aid shipments, though no start date has been confirmed.

Author: Olivia Parker