Pakistan and Taliban engage in fresh clashes

Recent clashes have erupted along the border between Pakistan and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, with each side accusing the other of violating a fragile ceasefire. Overnight, residents of Spin Boldak, an Afghan city near the 1,600-mile (2,574 km) frontier, fled their homes due to the fighting.

A medical official in nearby Kandahar reported that a local hospital received four bodies, though it remains unclear if there were any casualties on the Pakistani side.

Intermittent skirmishes have occurred frequently in recent months, and the Taliban have also accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes inside Afghanistan. Both sides confirmed exchanging fire during the overnight incident, each blaming the other for starting the four-hour conflict.

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs spokesperson, Mosharraf Zaidi, described the Talibans actions as "unprovoked firing," adding: "Our armed forces responded immediately and decisively. Pakistan remains fully vigilant and committed to protecting its borders and citizens."

Conversely, a Taliban representative claimed that Pakistan "initiated attacks once again," forcing their forces to retaliate. Video from the area showed many Afghans fleeing by foot and vehicles, with neighboring towns also seeing residents evacuate in fear of the violence spreading.

The clashes occurred less than two months after both sides agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, which had previously ended the worst fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, though tensions remained high.

Islamabad has long accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of harboring armed groups that attack Pakistan, while the Taliban deny these allegations, claiming Pakistan blames others for its own security issues.

Last week, delegations from both countries met in Saudi Arabia for the fourth round of broader peace negotiations, but no agreement was reached. Sources familiar with the talks confirmed that both sides intend to continue honoring the ceasefire.

Author: Maya Henderson