Tensions reignited Wednesday along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in the deaths of civilians and military personnel and unraveling a fragile truce that followed deadly weekend clashes. The Afghan Taliban reported that Pakistani forces attacked Spin Boldak, killing over a dozen civilians and injuring around 100 others. Meanwhile, Pakistan accused Taliban fighters of wounding four civilians in Chaman, the town directly across the border. In a separate incident in Pakistan’s Orakzai district, a military operation responding to a prior militant attack led to the deaths of six Pakistani paramilitary troops and nine militants. Pakistan denied launching any offensive in Spin Boldak, calling Kabul’s claims “outrageous and blatant lies.”
The renewed hostilities have led to the closure of key border crossings, disrupting trade and leaving many cargo vehicles stranded—an economic blow to Afghanistan, which relies heavily on Pakistani imports. The conflict has drawn international attention, with China, Russia, and President Donald Trump urging restraint and offering diplomatic support. The timing of the clashes is notable, coinciding with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, where both nations agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties. This move adds a geopolitical twist, potentially shifting regional alliances and further complicating the already strained relationship between Islamabad and Kabul.