Last night, an exchange of fire at the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing resulted in 4 civilian deaths and left 4 others wounded, according to Afghan officials. This skirmish marks the latest flare-up in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, following deadly clashes in October.
Spin Boldak district governor Abdul Karim Jahad told AFP that the fighting erupted around 10:30 pm local time and lasted about two hours. On the Pakistani side, a hospital in Chaman reported treating and discharging three people with minor injuries. 🚑
Each side accused the other of unprovoked firing despite a truce brokered by Qatar and Türkiye after October's clashes, in which over 70 people died. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan "started attacking," forcing a response from Islamic Emirate forces. Pakistan's prime minister's spokesperson, Mosharraf Zaidi, countered that the "Afghan Taliban regime" opened fire first, to which Pakistani forces replied "intensely." 🔥
This border remains closed since the October ceasefire, with ongoing talks in Doha and Istanbul yet to seal a lasting peace. Security issues – particularly Pakistan's claims that militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are being harbored in Afghanistan – continue to strain ties. Afghanistan denies these allegations.
Despite the tensions, Pakistan announced this week a partial reopening of the Chaman crossing for UN aid deliveries. It's still unclear when supplies will move, but officials emphasize that humanitarian convoys are unaffected by the recent clash. 🌍🤝
We'll keep you posted as the situation develops. 📲
Reference(s):
Afghan official says 4 civilians killed in border clash with Pakistan
cgtn.com
