Driving the news:
Clashes erupted late Friday, with both sides accusing the other of firing first. Kabul says Pakistan shelled civilian areas; Islamabad calls the incident “unprovoked firing” by Afghan forces.
Why it matters:
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have steadily worsened since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with Islamabad blaming Kabul for hosting armed groups that have stepped up attacks inside Pakistan.
State of play:
Deputy Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitra told reporters that five people, including a Taliban member, were killed by Pakistani shelling.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office said Afghan forces carried out “unprovoked firing,” adding: “Pakistan remains fully alert and committed to ensuring its territorial integrity and the safety of our citizens.”
Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, said on X that Pakistan “launched attacks towards the Spin Boldak district,” prompting an Afghan response.
Key points:
- Locals say the exchange began around 10:30 pm local time and lasted nearly two hours.
- Cross-border violence in October killed around 70 people before a Qatar-brokered ceasefire on October 19.
- A series of follow-up talks in Qatar, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia have failed to consolidate a long-term truce.
Zoom in:
The latest round of talks in Saudi Arabia last weekend ended without progress, though both sides agreed to keep up the ceasefire. Afghan officials say the lack of meaningful dialogue and continued accusations from Islamabad are fueling instability along the historically volatile frontier.
Go deeper:
Pakistan Airstrikes Kill 10 Civilians in Afghanistan, Kabul Says Ceasefire Violated
Zohre Khazaee - Hossein Vaez
