The Big Picture:
The conflict underscores deepening mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul, with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants and violating sovereignty. The situation threatens to destabilize the region and disrupt cross-border trade and civilian movement.
What they're saying:
AFP reported two loud blasts in Kabul, sparking panic among residents. The cause remains unclear, but it comes amid heightened regional instability.
An Afghan government official told Al Jazeera that Pakistani forces carried out an airstrike on a residential area in Spin Boldak, southern Afghanistan, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.
Another source said that a Pakistani airstrike targeted a house in central Kabul.
An Afghan journalist was killed and his cameraman wounded during clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces along the border.
Afghan security officials confirmed additional Pakistani air raids in Spin Boldak, targeting Taliban positions and residential zones.
Context:
Border clashes had briefly subsided following mediation by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but resumed late last night with renewed intensity.
What is next:
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced that an agreement has been reached with the Taliban for a temporary ceasefire lasting 48 hours, starting at 6 p.m. today.
The ministry stated that both the Pakistani and Afghan sides will make sincere efforts through dialogue to find a resolution to the conflict.
Go deeper:
Pakistan Army Claims Six Afghan Tanks Destroyed as Border Tensions Escalate
Hossein Amiri - Hossein Amiri
