Fresh clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban militants have resulted in numerous casualties along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Kandahar province, escalating tensions between the two erstwhile allies. After a brief period of calm, violence erupted overnight on Tuesday, with both sides blaming each other for instigating the latest round of conflict.
On Wednesday morning, Pakistani forces launched an assault using a mix of “light and heavy weapons” on the Spin Boldak district in Kandahar. The Afghan government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, reported that “more than 12 civilians were killed” and over “100 were injured” as a consequence. There are concerns that children were present in the targeted residential building, and they have been transported to the hospital for treatment.
In response to the Pakistani attack, Afghan forces were compelled to take retaliatory measures. According to news agency AFP, the assault by Pakistani forces claimed the lives of 15 civilians, with more than 80 women and children among the wounded individuals treated at a local hospital.
A temporary 48-hour ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban administration, effective from 6 PM Pakistan Standard Time on Wednesday, has been announced by Islamabad’s Foreign Ministry. Meanwhile, a fuel tanker explosion in the outskirts of Kabul led to a massive fire outbreak, as reported by ToloNews.
As the conflict continues unabated and with Afghanistan refusing entry to Pakistani ministers for discussions, Islamabad has reached out to Qatar and Saudi Arabia to mediate the escalating situation. The ongoing hostilities, initiated after Islamabad targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Kabul last week, mark the most severe confrontation between the neighboring countries since the Taliban seized power in 2021. This development coincides with the Taliban foreign minister’s inaugural visit to India, as New Delhi and Kabul strengthen their ties amidst strained relations with Pakistan.