Deadly border fighting has erupted once again between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban forces, shattering a fragile ceasefire that had been holding for only a few weeks. The latest clash forced thousands of families to flee from the Afghan border city of Spin Boldak, a region that has repeatedly been at the center of such tensions.
Intense Spin Boldak Clash Sparks New Fighting
The fighting broke out late Friday night along the long and sensitive border shared by the two countries. This border stretches nearly 1,600 miles, and the area around Spin Boldak has often seen some of the worst confrontations. Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and artillery for hours as both sides exchanged fire.
Local officials in Afghanistan confirmed that at least four people were killed and four were injured in the aftermath of the attack. Hospitals in Kandahar, the province where Spin Boldak is located, reported receiving bodies and wounded individuals through the night. Pakistan also stated that three of its citizens were injured during the exchange.
Videos from the scene showed large crowds fleeing Spin Boldak, rushing out of the area on foot or driving with whatever belongings they could gather. Homes near the border were struck by mortar fire, leading to widespread panic. Many families said they left in the dark without knowing where they would go, only aware that staying in the area had become too dangerous.
Rising Tensions as Spin Boldak Shelling Continues
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan blamed each other for starting the fighting. Officials in Pakistan described the Taliban’s actions as an “unprovoked attack” and said their military responded immediately to protect the country’s territory. They emphasized that they remain fully alert and will continue defending the border.
On the other side, Taliban officials accused Pakistan of launching the first strike. They said they were “forced to respond” after shells reportedly landed near civilian homes in Spin Boldak. Local authorities inside Afghanistan confirmed that heavy artillery and mortar fire struck residential areas, causing destruction and fear among families who had been trying to rebuild their lives after earlier clashes.
The exchange reportedly began around 10:30 p.m. local time and lasted nearly four hours. People living in and around Spin Boldak told reporters that gunfire echoed throughout the night. Some residents said they heard the heaviest bombardment since an earlier outbreak of violence this year.
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The Spin Boldak region has long remained a hotspot because it lies on a major border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Security forces from both sides maintain a strong presence there, and even a small incident can quickly trigger major fighting. Residents of Spin Boldak have become used to sudden evacuations and ongoing uncertainty. The latest clash has raised fresh worries because it happened so soon after a recently agreed ceasefire.
Earlier this year, both countries accepted a ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey. It ended more than a week of deadly clashes that killed dozens of people, one of the worst episodes since the Taliban took power in 2021. Although the ceasefire briefly reduced violence, mistrust continued, and tensions returned as local disputes and security issues persisted.
Negotiations Continue Amid New Border Violence
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been a source of conflict for decades. Pakistan has frequently accused the Taliban government of sheltering armed groups that carry out attacks inside Pakistan. These groups have reportedly been responsible for hundreds of attacks on Pakistani forces over the past year. Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers deny these claims and insist that Pakistan is responsible for its own security challenges.
The latest flare-up near Spin Boldak occurred just days after officials from both sides met in Saudi Arabia for a fourth round of peace talks. The discussions focused on maintaining calm along the border and reaching a long-term settlement. However, no final agreement was reached. Even so, both sides indicated that they would continue observing the ceasefire terms.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the situation on the ground remains tense. Local communities near Spin Boldak continue to suffer the most, as fighting often damages their homes, disrupts trade routes and forces them to flee repeatedly. Medical workers in Kandahar have expressed concern about the rising number of casualties, especially among civilians who are caught in the crossfire.
Borderline Crisis: Pakistan and Afghanistan Descend Into Conflict
For many families, the renewed violence has brought back memories of earlier conflicts. Some residents described spending the night hiding inside their homes, while others said they fled without even locking their doors. Shops in Spin Boldak remained closed the following morning as people waited for the situation to calm down.
As both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, the people living near the border—especially in Spin Boldak—remain unsure of what might happen next. For now, they are simply trying to stay safe as the two countries struggle to prevent another major escalation.