Overview
- Afghan officials said Pakistani forces attacked Spin Boldak, while Islamabad accused Afghan units of unprovoked fire near Chaman as exchanges lasted about two hours.
- Afghan authorities reported multiple civilian deaths, including children, with tolls ranging from four to five, and several wounded; Pakistani officials said three civilians were injured in Chaman.
- The Chaman crossing remained closed for regular travel and trade after the clash, leaving hundreds of travelers and traders stranded on both sides under reinforced security.
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated that routine border reopening depends on enforceable guarantees from Kabul to prevent militant infiltration, though phased UN aid shipments have been approved.
- The flare-up followed Saudi-hosted talks that ended without a breakthrough after earlier mediation by Qatar and Turkey, with Islamabad alleging Afghan-based TTP involvement in recent attacks and the Taliban denying responsibility.