Chaman/Islamabad – Late Friday, heavy fighting erupted on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, raising tensions only days after a series of peace talks to keep a ceasefire collapsed without any result.
The exchange of heavy and light weapons took place during the clashes, which are said to have lasted about four hours in some areas. The Afghan side reported that four civilians and two security guards were seriously injured during the skirmishes. The scenario has resulted in the shutdown of border crossings and the displacement of residents of neighbouring regions.
Skirmishes Across Key Border Points
Officials of both governments confirmed the fighting. Conflicts were reported on several fronts, the Badini border and the Bab-e-Dosti border that links the Baluchistan and Kandahar provinces.
Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the conflicts, saying that the operation started in the evening. According to him, Pakistani troops attacked the Spinboldak district of the Kandahar province.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Pakistani Prime Minister, Mosharraf Zaidi, blamed the Afghanistan forces for unprovoked firing on the Chaman border.
Pakistan’s Use of Drones and Retaliation
According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the firing erupted when a Pakistani post was attacked by the Afghan side of the Sadaqat Khandak check post.
ISPR claimed that the Pakistan Army responded efficiently and in a timely manner. They verified that modern drones were successfully used in the response. The army reports that, in view of the presence of drones, the personnel deployed on the Afghan fronts abandoned their posts and retreated, after which complete silence was observed at the border posts.
Pakistani security forces stressed that they are keeping a high alert status to check any infiltration attempts. The security situation is not stable, and the exit of refugees has been closed until further notice.
Core Dispute and Failed Peace Talks
The renewed fighting follows a new round of peace talks that had been in Saudi Arabia 2 days ago and ended without a breakthrough. Both sides agreed to maintain a shaky ceasefire, but the root of the conflict still lies unaddressed.
The central focus of the tension is the problem of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan also insists that the recent attacks, such as the suicide bombings of the Afghanistan nationals, have been done by Afghan-based militants. Kabul is vehement in rejecting this allegation, claiming it cannot be held liable for the security within Pakistan.
