Dozens killed in fresh Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes as fighting escalates

Fresh clashes erupted on 15 October along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing at least 15 civilians and dozens of troops in Spin Boldak (Kandahar) and Kurram districts, marking the deadliest escalation in weeks of hostilities. Pakistani forces reported repelling "unprovoked" Afghan fire, killing 40 Taliban fighters and destroying a tank, while Kabul accused Islamabad of shelling villages, displacing hundreds. 

The fighting, rooted in Islamabad's accusations of Taliban harbouring TTP militants, follows weekend skirmishes claiming over 200 lives and prompted Pakistan to dial Qatar and Saudi Arabia for mediation. 

Borders remain sealed, stranding 10,000 trucks and civilians, with China and Russia urging restraint amid fears of wider conflict.

Latest clashes

The violence ignited early on 15 October in Spin Boldak when Afghan Taliban forces allegedly shelled Pakistani posts, prompting a heavy artillery response that razed villages and killed 15 civilians, per Kabul officials. 

In Kurram, crossfire near the Durand Line left 20 Pakistani soldiers and 10 Taliban dead, with residents fleeing amid drone strikes and shelling. 

A Taliban drone dropped bombs on a Pakistani outpost, captured in viral footage showing explosions lighting the night sky. 

Pakistan's ISPR claimed "effective repulsion," destroying Afghan positions and killing 40 fighters, while denying civilian targeting. 

Kabul's Zabihullah Mujahid accused "Pakistani aggression," vowing "resolute defence." 

Visuals from Chaman showed smoke rising from hills, with families crossing barbed wire amid chaos. 

Background

Tensions ignited on 11 October when Taliban forces attacked Pakistani posts in Kunar and Helmand, capturing three outposts in retaliation for alleged Islamabad airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar. 

Pakistan denied the strikes, claiming self-defence against TTP incursions, but Kabul accused Islamabad of violating Kabul's sovereignty. 

Weekend fighting in Chaman and Torkham killed 58 Pakistani soldiers (per Taliban) and 200 fighters (per Pakistan), closing the 2,600km Durand Line. 

The root: Pakistan blames Taliban for sheltering TTP, behind 400+ attacks killing 700 in 2025. 

Kabul denies, accusing Islamabad of cross-border raids. 

PM Shehbaz Sharif vowed "befitting reply," while Taliban Defence Ministry hailed "successful" operations. 

Pakistan dials Qatar and Saudi Arabia

Amid the flare-up, Islamabad reached out to Qatar and Saudi Arabia on 15 October for mediation, leveraging their Taliban ties. 

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held calls with counterparts, seeking de-escalation, while Sharif briefed US President Trump. 

Qatar's FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman expressed "concern," urging restraint. 

Saudi Arabia echoed, citing economic fallout from closed borders. 

China, with stakes in CPEC, called for dialogue, while Russia pressed for border stabilisation. UN's Guterres warned of "humanitarian catastrophe." 

Humanitarian and economic impact

The clashes displaced 5,000 people near Chaman, with shells hitting homes and schools. Torkham and Chaman closures stranded 10,000 trucks, halting $2 billion monthly trade—Pakistan's lifeline to landlocked Kabul. Aid groups like the ICRC warned of shortages in Kurram. 

Residents like Chaman's Najibullah Khan lamented: "Shells in homes—children terrified." 

Regional stability

The clashes, worst since the Taliban takeover in 2021, risk broader conflict, with TTP vowing escalation. Pakistan's Operation Azm-e-Istehkam targets TTP, but border fencing disputes fuel resentment. India watches warily, with the MEA urging de-escalation amid Taliban FM Muttaqi's Delhi visit.