Heavy exchanges of gunfire erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border late Friday, officials from both countries confirmed, escalating tensions following the breakdown of peace talks earlier this week. Initial reports indicate no immediate casualties.
According to a statement from Kabul, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani forces of initiating attacks in the Spin Boldak area of Kandahar province.
In response, a spokesperson for the Pakistani Prime Minister stated that Afghan forces had engaged in “unprovoked firing” along the Chaman border region. “Pakistan remains on full alert and is committed to ensuring the integrity of its territory and the safety of its citizens,” said spokesperson Musharraf Zaidi in a released statement.
The exchange of fire comes just two days after a fresh round of peace talks between the neighboring countries concluded without a breakthrough, despite both sides agreeing to maintain a fragile ceasefire. The talks, held earlier this week in Saudi Arabia, were the latest in a series of meetings hosted by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, aimed at de-escalating tensions following deadly border clashes in October.
Islamabad claims that militants based in Afghanistan have carried out recent attacks within Pakistan, including suicide bombings involving Afghan nationals. Kabul denies these accusations, asserting that it is not responsible for security within Pakistan’s borders.
October saw some of the worst violence along the border since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021, resulting in dozens of fatalities. The situation remains tense as both nations attempt to de-escalate the conflict. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
