Sat Dec 06 02:25:52 UTC 2025: ## Afghanistan and Pakistan Trade Blame After Deadly Border Clash

Kandahar, Afghanistan – Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have flared again following a heavy exchange of fire along their shared border on Friday night, leaving at least four Afghan civilians dead. Both sides are blaming each other for initiating the clash, further straining already fragile relations.

According to Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Afghan Taliban government, Pakistani forces “launched attacks towards” the Spin Boldak district in Kandahar province, prompting a response from Afghan forces. Conversely, a spokesman for Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Afghan forces initiated “unprovoked firing” along the Chaman border, adding that Pakistan “remains fully alert and committed to ensuring its territorial integrity and the safety of our citizens.”

Residents on the Afghan side of the border reported that the fighting began around 10:30pm local time and lasted approximately two hours. Ali Mohammad Haqmal, head of Kandahar’s information department, told AFP that Pakistani forces used “light and heavy artillery,” with mortar fire striking civilian homes. He added that the clashes have ended with both sides agreeing to cease fire.

This latest incident follows a week of deadly fighting in October that resulted in approximately 70 deaths and hundreds of injuries before a ceasefire was brokered in Doha, Qatar. However, subsequent talks aimed at achieving a longer-term truce, hosted by Qatar, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, have failed to produce a breakthrough. The most recent round of negotiations in Saudi Arabia concluded without progress, although both sides agreed to maintain the fragile ceasefire.

Relations between the two nations have deteriorated since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to various armed groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who claimed responsibility for a roadside bombing on Wednesday that killed three Pakistani police officers. Pakistan also alleges that Afghanistan is sheltering the Balochistan Liberation Army and a local ISIS affiliate, ISKP.

The Afghan Taliban denies these accusations, stating they cannot be held responsible for security within Pakistan and accusing Islamabad of spreading misinformation and provoking border tensions. The situation remains volatile, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation.

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