Deadly Afghan-Pakistan Border Clash Kills 5, Wounds 8 Amid Ongoing Tensions in Chaman-Spin Boldak Crossing

Deadly Afghan-Pakistan Border Clash Reignites Tensions at Chaman-Spin Boldak Crossing

A recent exchange of gunfire and shelling at a crucial border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has resulted in a tragic toll: four civilians and one soldier dead, with several more wounded. This overnight skirmish at the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing on Friday, December 6, highlights the volatile nature of the relationship between the two nations, even after a ceasefire brokered following previous deadly clashes in October.

Accusations Fly Amidst Cross-Border Fire

Reports from Afghan officials indicate that Pakistani forces initiated the assault in Kandahar's Spin Boldak district, prompting a retaliatory response from the Islamic Emirate's forces. Conversely, Pakistan's prime minister's spokesman, Mosharraf Zaidi, stated on X that Afghan Taliban forces were responsible for the "unprovoked firing." Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of Kandahar's information department, detailed that Pakistani forces employed "light and heavy artillery," with mortar fire striking civilian homes.

The violence left five civilians injured on the Afghan side, according to government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat. Meanwhile, the local hospital in Chaman, Pakistan, reported three individuals suffered minor injuries during the intense fighting.

Residents Recount Horrific Ordeal

Eyewitness accounts from residents on the Afghan side paint a grim picture of the conflict. Mahmood Khan described the terrifying escalation from "light and weak firing" to the roar of tanks and the impact of mortars hitting houses, which wounded his niece and two cousins. Another resident, Shamsullah, shared the heartbreaking story of his brother's death by a mortar while seeking refuge in another room of their home. He tragically recounted their inability to retrieve him immediately due to continuous shelling, leading to his eventual demise after being transported to Kandahar.

On the Pakistani side, Muhammad Naeem, a laborer, witnessed mortar shells impacting homes and surrounding areas as the intensity of the crossfire grew. Many inhabitants were forced to flee, while others, caught in the heavy gunfire, were left with no option but to shelter indoors, unable to escape.

Escalating Dispute and Failed Peace Efforts

This incident is the latest chapter in a bitter and escalating dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan since the Taliban's return to power in Kabul in 2021. The core of the tension revolves around security issues, with Islamabad consistently accusing Kabul of harboring militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which Pakistan alleges launch attacks from Afghan territory. The Taliban government vehemently denies these claims.

Previous severe clashes in October claimed more than 70 lives and wounded hundreds, culminating in a ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey. However, subsequent rounds of peace talks held in Doha and Istanbul have failed to yield a lasting agreement, leaving the vital border crossing between the two South Asian neighbors frequently closed. Last month, Afghanistan accused Pakistan of deadly air strikes in a border area, killing 10 people, including nine children—a charge Pakistan refuted. Furthermore, Pakistan's foreign ministry issued a stark warning on November 28, stating that the ceasefire was "not holding" in light of "major" attacks on its soil.

Humanitarian Aid Amidst Conflict

Despite the recent hostilities, Pakistan announced earlier this week its decision to partially reopen the Chaman crossing to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries by United Nations agencies. Pakistan's prime minister's spokesman, Mosharraf Zaidi, confirmed that these "aid deliveries are separate" and that the latest clash would "have no impact on that decision." However, the exact timeline for these crucial deliveries remains undisclosed, highlighting the complex interplay between security and humanitarian needs in this volatile border region.