5 Killed as Fresh Gun Battle Erupts on Afghanistan-Pakistan Border

At least five people, including four civilians and a soldier, were killed following an overnight exchange of gunfire and shelling along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, Afghan officials confirmed on Saturday, December 6.

Afghan government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said five others were injured during the clash. On the Pakistani side, a hospital in Chaman reported treating three people with minor injuries.

Both countries accused each other of initiating the violence at the busy Chaman–Spin Boldak crossing in southern Afghanistan, despite a ceasefire brokered after deadly clashes in October. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on X that Pakistani forces launched “unprovoked” attacks in Kandahar’s Spin Boldak district, forcing Afghan forces to respond. Pakistan rejected the allegation, with Prime Minister’s spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi accusing Afghan forces of opening fire first.

Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of Kandahar’s information department, said Pakistani forces fired both light and heavy artillery, with mortar shells striking residential areas. Residents described a fierce two-hour bombardment that began around 10:30 p.m. local time.

“First it was light firing, then tanks and mortars started hitting our houses,” resident Mahmood Khan said, adding that several members of his family were wounded. Another resident, Shamsullah, said his brother was killed by a mortar blast while trying to move to safety, noting that continued shelling delayed efforts to rescue him.

On the Pakistani side of the border, labourer Muhammad Naeem said homes and nearby areas were also hit by mortar shells as fighting intensified, forcing residents to shelter indoors.

Tensions have remained high along the border since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harbouring militants, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a charge the Taliban government denies.

More than 70 people were killed during clashes in October before Qatar and Turkey mediated a ceasefire. Talks since then have failed to produce a lasting agreement, and the border remains largely closed. Pakistan recently announced plans to partially reopen the Chaman crossing for United Nations aid deliveries, a move officials say will still go ahead despite the latest violence.