Overview
- The latest Istanbul round mediated by Turkey and Qatar ended without an agreement or a date for further talks, with the Taliban spokesman confirming a deadlock and Pakistan’s defense minister saying the delegation was heading home.
- Hours before the breakdown, a brief exchange of fire at the Chaman–Spin Boldak crossing killed four Afghan civilians and wounded five, according to a local Afghan official, as each side accused the other of opening fire.
- Officials on both sides say the Qatar-brokered cease-fire of Oct. 19 technically remains in place, though each alleges repeated violations by the other.
- Pakistan continues to demand action against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan sanctuaries in Afghanistan, a charge the Taliban deny while insisting their territory will not be used against other countries.
- The delegations were led by Pakistan’s Lt. Gen. Asim Malik and Afghanistan’s intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, as reports put total deaths from the recent month-long border fighting at more than 400 and key crossings face prolonged closures.