Saturday, March 29, 2025
Afghanistan–Pakistan Border Clashes Continue for Second Night; Four Killed, Over 80 Injured After Peace Talks Collapse
Updated: December 7, 2025, 9:20 AM
Fierce fighting between Afghan and Pakistani forces has continued for a second consecutive night along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, leaving at least four people dead and more than 80 others injured. The renewed violence follows the collapse of the third round of peace talks between the two countries, sharply escalating tensions along the volatile frontier.
The clashes were reported from Spin Boldak in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, close to the Pakistan border. According to local authorities, heavy gunfire, shelling, and rocket and mortar attacks were exchanged throughout the night. Civilians have been among the worst affected, with women and children reportedly accounting for a significant number of casualties.
Afghan officials and Taliban representatives accused Pakistani forces of launching “unprovoked attacks” across the border. In response, Pakistan claimed it was acting in self-defense amid growing concerns over cross-border militant activity linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an extremist group blamed for multiple terror attacks inside Pakistan.
As fighting intensified, residents of border villages began fleeing their homes in large numbers. Reports indicate that thousands of people have been displaced due to shelling and airstrikes, with many struggling to access basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care. Several border entry points were also damaged during the clashes, disrupting civilian movement and trade.
Afghan sources alleged that Pakistani attacks triggered widespread displacement, while Pakistani officials countered that Afghan forces fired mortars into Pakistani villages, including Majal Gali and Lukman, causing fires and forcing residents to flee. Homes were reportedly set ablaze during the overnight bombardment, deepening the humanitarian impact on both sides of the border.
Authorities in both countries have now ordered civilians to evacuate vulnerable border areas as a precautionary measure.
The renewed violence comes just days after the third round of peace negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan failed to produce any breakthrough. Pakistan Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Musharraf Zaidi, stated that two days after the talks collapsed, Afghan forces and Taliban fighters opened fire across the Durand Line on the night of December 5. Pakistani positions in the Spin Boldak sector were targeted with rockets and mortars, prompting retaliation by Pakistani troops.
A similar exchange of fire reportedly took place again on the night of December 7, confirming a pattern of sustained escalation rather than an isolated incident.
The Pakistan–Afghanistan Friendship Gate, which connects Balochistan with Kandahar, was also damaged during the latest clashes. Rockets were reportedly fired from both sides, forcing staff to flee the area. Nearby villages were subsequently targeted with gunfire and artillery.
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir warned that while Pakistan does not seek war, it is fully prepared to respond if forced into conflict. He reiterated that Pakistan would take firm action against the TTP, which he described as responsible for spreading terrorism within the country.
Tensions between the two neighbors have been steadily rising since October 9, when Pakistani forces conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeting alleged TTP strongholds. Afghanistan condemned the strikes as an act of war and responded with military action along the border. Although two temporary ceasefires were reached after days of fighting, the failure of the third peace dialogue has once again pushed bilateral relations to a breaking point.
With no immediate diplomatic breakthrough in sight, the situation along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border remains highly volatile, raising fears of further military escalation and worsening humanitarian conditions for civilians caught in the crossfire.
