Afghanistan-Pakistan border Clash: Civilian Casualties Reported
Afghanistan-Pakistan border: The long-standing border dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan has once again escalated into a violent confrontation. Early Wednesday at around 4 a.m., a fierce clash broke out between the armies of the two countries along the Spin Boldak (Afghanistan) and Balochistan (Pakistan) border. Armed with both heavy and light weaponry, the encounter has ushered in a new chapter of fear and instability in the region.
According to sources, tanks, artillery, and rocket launchers were deployed on both sides, reducing several border posts to rubble. Dozens of soldiers were reportedly killed or injured, while the civilian population has been thrown into panic.
Civilians Targeted, Fear Grips Kandahar
The most distressing aspect of the fighting was that residential areas were caught in the crossfire. Local residents claimed that the Pakistani army also attacked densely populated areas and markets in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. Several homes were damaged, and hundreds of people fled overnight in search of safer locations.
Hospitals in Kandahar have activated emergency services to handle the rising number of casualties. Authorities have issued appeals for blood donations, while medical staff are treating the wounded with limited resources. A local doctor described the situation, saying, “Seeing the condition of the injured, it feels as if the entire area has turned into a battlefield.”
Violent Clash Erupts Amid Rising Tensions Along Durand Line
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are not new, but the current situation appears far more severe. Wednesday’s events can be seen as the culmination of years of mistrust and mutual accusations. Along the Spin Boldak and Balochistan areas of the Durand Line, troops from both nations engaged in direct gunfire against each other.
Local sources reported that the shelling was so intense that explosions were heard several kilometers away. Panic spread across border villages, with the sound of heavy weaponry echoing throughout the night. According to reports, dozens of military posts were destroyed, and several military vehicles were reduced to ashes.
Afghan and Pakistani Claims Clash
Significant discrepancies have emerged in the casualty reports from both sides. The Afghan Ministry of Defense claimed that their forces killed at least 58 Pakistani soldiers and destroyed several tanks and military posts. Afghanistan stated that it delivered a “strong response” to Pakistani shelling and thwarted attempts to advance across the border.
Conversely, Pakistan dismissed these claims as “propaganda and lies,” reporting that 23 of its soldiers were killed while neutralizing over 200 Afghan-backed militants and Taliban fighters. Pakistan also acknowledged conducting airstrikes on markets and locations in Kabul, Nangarhar, and Kandahar, which it labeled as “terrorist bases.”
Trade and Movement Halted, Daily Life Disrupted Across Borders
The conflict has had an immediate and profound impact on cross-border trade. Key trade posts between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including Spin Boldak, Torkham, and Angur Ada, have been completely shut down.
Hundreds of trucks and traders are stranded, with essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine blocked. Local media reports indicate that prices of petrol and food items have surged in southern Afghanistan due to the closed borders. A trader said, “We are trapped on both sides of the border. Until the shelling stops, no one can move forward. This is affecting not just business but the lives of people as well.”
International Response
The bloody confrontation has also alarmed the international community. Regional countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have described the situation as “serious” and urged both sides to exercise restraint. United Nations-affiliated humanitarian organizations warned that continued violence could deepen a humanitarian crisis in the border areas.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry stated, “Maintaining peace and stability along the Durand Line is essential for the security of the entire region.” Meanwhile, Iran has offered to initiate “diplomatic dialogue” to help control the tensions.
Humanitarian Crisis at the Border: Displacement and Fear
Thousands of civilians have been displaced from the areas affected by shelling. Relief camps are being set up in Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Helmand provinces, while hundreds of families in Pakistan’s Balochistan are also seeking shelter in temporary camps.
Local authorities have warned that if the shelling continues, the humanitarian situation could spiral “out of control.” The Afghan Red Cross has begun delivering relief supplies despite limited resources, but heavy security risks are hindering access to most areas.
Peace Remains a Distant Prospect
For now, the Afghanistan-Pakistan border remains extremely tense. Even after declaring a state of emergency in surrounding areas, there are no signs of the fighting stopping. Both countries have increased their troop deployments, and the border villages are now nearly deserted.
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