Clashes on Afghanistan–Pakistan border leave four dead as tensions rise

Afghan authorities say four civilians were killed during an exchange of fire between Afghan and Pakistani forces along the two countries’ shared border late on December 5. 

Both sides accuse the other of initiating the confrontation, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions following unsuccessful peace talks held in Saudi Arabia. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani forces fired towards the Spin Boldak district in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, prompting a response from Afghan troops.

In Islamabad, a spokesman for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rejected the claim, stating that Afghan forces had carried out “unprovoked firing” near the Chaman border.

Residents on the Afghan side said that the shooting began at around 10:30 pm local time and lasted for approximately two hours. Kandahar information chief Ali Mohammad Haqmal said civilian homes were damaged before the situation was brought under control. According to him, both sides later agreed to halt the fighting.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of sheltering armed groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has claimed responsibility for several attacks inside Pakistan. Afghan authorities deny the allegations, stating that security within Pakistan is the responsibility of Islamabad.

Previous attempts at easing tensions, including a ceasefire agreement signed in Doha in October, have failed to produce lasting stability. Talks hosted in Qatar, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have so far yielded no breakthrough, although both sides say they remain committed to dialogue.

Despite the ongoing truce, Kabul has accused Pakistan of carrying out air strikes in eastern Afghan provinces — claims that Islamabad has denied.

By Aghakazim Guliyev