Intense Clashes Erupt at Chaman Border: What Sparked the Violence?

Clashes Reported at Chaman Border

Islamabad: A significant exchange of gunfire occurred between Pakistani and Afghan military forces at the crucial Chaman border, as reported by local media on Saturday.

Injuries were noted at the district hospital, but fortunately, there were no reported deaths, according to the Dawn newspaper.

Officials from both nations blamed each other for igniting the conflict late Friday night in Balochistan province.

Pakistani authorities claimed that Afghan forces had launched mortar attacks on the Badani region, while Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban, asserted that Pakistan initiated the assault on Spin Boldak, stating their forces were merely retaliating.

Sources from Pakistan indicated that their military responded to the Afghan aggression with return fire.

There were also unverified reports of skirmishes along the Chaman-Kandahar highway.

A senior official in Quetta, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the gunfire began around 10 PM and persisted into the night.

The medical superintendent at Chaman district hospital reported that three individuals, including a woman, were treated for injuries.

There has been no official statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Army, or from the Foreign Office.

The Chaman border crossing, also referred to as Friendship Gate, links Balochistan with Afghanistan's Kandahar.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated, with Pakistan frequently accusing the Afghan government of providing safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants.

Despite a ceasefire agreement reached last month, the Foreign Office clarified that there was technically no truce, as it depended on the Afghan Taliban ceasing terrorist activities in Pakistan, which they have not accomplished.