Clash in Spin Boldak Results in Civilian Casualties

KANDAHAR – A cross-border military engagement late Friday night between Afghan and Pakistani forces along the contentious Durand Line has resulted in significant civilian casualties, according to local sources and Taliban officials.

The incident, which marks a serious escalation in ongoing border tensions, began around 10:00 p.m. in the border areas of Wesh, Mazal Guli, and Luqman in Kandahar’s Spin Boldak district, opposite Pakistan’s Chaman crossing. A reliable source familiar with the situation told Pajhwok Afghan News that four civilians were killed and four others wounded by mortar fire originating from the Pakistani side during the clash. Among the injured, a woman and a man are reported to be in critical condition and are currently receiving treatment at Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar City.

Official Confirmation and Response
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), confirmed the attack in a post on the social media platform X. “On Friday evening, the Pakistani side once again launched attacks on Afghanistan in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar,” he stated, adding that this aggression “compelled forces of the Islamic Emirate to respond.” Mujahid did not provide further details on the nature or scale of the Taliban’s retaliatory action.

The clash, which lasted nearly four hours until approximately 1:00 a.m., was reportedly initiated when “Pakistani militias suddenly threw hand grenades at Afghan outposts,” according to the source. The situation was eventually de-escalated following direct coordination between the two sides, as confirmed by Ali Mohammad Haqmal, the media officer for Spin Boldak district.

A Pattern of Escalation
This incident is the latest in a series of deteriorating border incidents between Kabul and Islamabad. Nearly two months ago, Pakistan conducted airspace violations and attacks in eastern Afghanistan, prompting retaliatory strikes from IEA forces. The root of the tensions lies in long-standing disputes over the Durand Line border and accusations from Islamabad that the Taliban-led government harbors militants, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who launch attacks into Pakistan—a charge the IEA denies.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have so far proven fruitless. Following the previous escalation, negotiations were held once in Qatar and twice in Türkiye. Mujahid has previously blamed the failure of the Türkiye talks on the “irresponsible behavior and lack of cooperation from the Pakistani delegation.” Just last week, the two sides engaged in further discussions in Saudi Arabia, though no official outcome has been announced.

Regional Implications
The renewed violence underscores the fragile and volatile state of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations under the Taliban administration. The targeting of civilians in border areas raises urgent humanitarian concerns and threatens to destabilize a region already grappling with severe economic and security challenges. The international community, particularly regional stakeholders, is likely watching the situation closely, as a sustained conflict could have wider implications for regional security and counter-terrorism efforts.

Statement from Pakistani Authorities Awaited
As of this reporting, Pakistani military and foreign ministry officials have not issued an official statement regarding the incident in Spin Boldak. The silence from Islamabad leaves the IEA’s account unchallenged in the public domain and adds to the uncertainty surrounding the immediate future of bilateral relations. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from both sides of the border.

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