Islamabad/Kabul: Clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces have resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries in a remote border area, intensifying hostilities between the two neighbouring states. The violence erupted overnight Tuesday along Pakistan’s Chaman district and Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the attack.
Casualties and damage
The Afghan Taliban, via spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that Pakistani forces opened fire using “light and heavy weapons,” killing 12 to 15 civilians and injuring over 100, including 80 women and children. Afghan forces reportedly returned fire, claiming to have killed “a large number” of Pakistani soldiers, seized weapons and tanks, and destroyed military installations.
Pakistan, however, attributed the clashes to the Afghan Taliban, saying their forces first fired on a Pakistani military post and nearby areas. Six Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed, along with four civilian casualties, according to unnamed security officials quoted by Reuters. Pakistan’s army said it repelled attacks from Afghanistan, killing 15 to 20 Taliban fighters and injuring others.
Local impact
Residents near the border were forced to flee their homes due to the shelling. Najibullah Khan, a Chaman resident, told reporters: “People are in a very difficult situation. Shells are falling in people’s homes.” Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder, reporting from the Torkham crossing, described the fighting as a “serious escalation” with potential to spark broader conflict.
Background and previous incidents
Tensions have escalated since Saturday, with both sides exchanging fire across multiple border regions, resulting in dozens of casualties. Despite a temporary halt following appeals from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, most border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain closed, affecting trade and civilian movement.
Over the weekend, Kabul claimed retaliation for repeated violations of Afghan territory, saying it killed 58 Pakistani soldiers during strikes on military posts. Pakistan reported lower losses, citing 23 soldiers killed and over 200 Taliban and affiliated fighters killed in retaliatory operations.
Underlying tensions
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring Pakistan Taliban (TTP) fighters, responsible for deadly attacks in Pakistan. Kabul denies these allegations, maintaining it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries.
Recent Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India has further strained ties, with Pakistan expressing strong disapproval. Muttaqi, in India, stated that while both nations seek positive relations, “certain groups in Pakistan are trying to stir up unrest.”
Conclusion
The border clashes highlight persistent security challenges and mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan. With civilian casualties rising and trade disrupted, both nations face pressure from regional actors to restore calm and prevent further escalation along their volatile frontier.