Tensions soar as pakistan and taliban forces exchange heavy fire along the border

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by News 18, click this post to read the original full article.

File photo of Pakistani Army soldiers (Image: Reuters)

I witnessed a significant escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan as both sides exchanged heavy gunfire near Spin Boldak and Chaman. This conflict erupted shortly after peace talks in Saudi Arabia ended without any progress, with each side blaming the other for the violence. Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported immediately.

Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani forces of initiating the attacks in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar. Conversely, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Prime Minister claimed that Afghan troops engaged in “unprovoked firing” near the Chaman border crossing.

Government spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens. This flare-up occurred just two days after diplomatic discussions in Saudi Arabia, where both nations had agreed to maintain a fragile ceasefire.

These talks followed earlier mediation efforts by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia aimed at reducing hostilities after deadly clashes in October. The core issue revolves around Pakistan’s allegations that militants operating from within Afghanistan have conducted recent attacks, including suicide bombings involving Afghan nationals. Kabul, however, rejects these claims, asserting that it cannot be held accountable for Pakistan’s internal security issues.

The violence in October, which resulted in numerous fatalities, marked the most severe border clashes since the Taliban regained power in 2021, casting a long shadow over efforts to stabilize relations between these neighboring countries.