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Pakistan and Afghanistan Trade Fire Along Border After Talks Falter

The episode tests a Qatar-brokered cease-fire that has largely held since October.

Overview

  • Forces on both sides exchanged gunfire Friday night near the Chaman and Spin Boldak sectors of the Durand Line, with each government blaming the other for starting it.
  • Initial reports cited no casualties, though Taliban authorities later said five people were killed and five wounded, a claim not independently verified.
  • The incident came a day after Kabul declared recent bilateral discussions in Saudi Arabia over border de-escalation had ended without agreement.
  • Pakistan announced it will permit United Nations humanitarian shipments to transit through the Chaman and Torkham crossings after extended closures.
  • Islamabad maintains that attacks inside Pakistan are linked to the Pakistan Taliban operating from Afghan territory, as Pakistani security sources warned of tougher reprisals if firing continues.