5 killed in Afghanistan-Pakistan border clash amid peace talks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
Today 14:12
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Five civilians were killed in a new cross-border exchange of fire between Afghanistan and Pakistan, threatening fragile ceasefire talks in Turkey.

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Afghan servicemen guard along the border in the Zazai Maidan district of Khost province, Afghanistan, on October 12, 2025, after overnight clashes with Pakistan's forces (AP)

At least five civilians were killed and six others were injured in a brief cross-border exchange of fire between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Thursday, an Afghan hospital official told AFP, in a development that threatens to derail ongoing ceasefire talks in Turkey aimed at ending a conflict that has recently intensified.

According to an official at the Spin Boldak district hospital in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province, "Five people died in today’s incident, four women and one man, and six were wounded.” No casualties were immediately reported from the Pakistani side.

Afghanistan, Pakistan trade accusations

Both governments swiftly traded accusations over who initiated the firing.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that “while the third round of negotiations with the Pakistani side has begun in Istanbul, unfortunately, this afternoon Pakistani forces once again opened fire on Spin Boldak.”

Mujahid added that Afghan forces refrained from retaliating “out of respect for the negotiation team and to prevent civilian casualties.”

Islamabad rejected the claim, accusing Afghan forces of opening fire first.

“We strongly reject claims circulated by the Afghan side,” Pakistan’s Information Ministry said.

“Firing was initiated from the Afghan side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner.”

Talks at a standstill

Negotiations hosted by Turkey have been struggling to produce a breakthrough.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Taliban authorities, confirmed that the talks were ongoing despite Thursday’s exchange. An Afghan military source said Pakistan “used light and heavy weapons and targeted civilian areas,” while local residents reported that the clash lasted 10 to 15 minutes before calm was restored.

Pakistan later confirmed that “the situation was brought under control” and that “the ceasefire remains intact,” stressing its commitment to dialogue and urging “reciprocity from Afghan authorities.”

The latest violence comes as the third round of negotiations in Istanbul remains deadlocked over the final terms of a ceasefire. Both sides have accused each other of obstructing progress and warned that hostilities could resume if talks collapse.

Turkey, mediating the dialogue, announced last week that the two countries had agreed to form a joint mechanism to monitor and penalize ceasefire violations.

Last month, the United Nations reported that at least 50 civilians were killed and more than 440 were wounded on the Afghan side during a week of border clashes in October, while Pakistan said 23 of its soldiers were killed and 29 others were wounded.

The recurring violence underscores deep mistrust between the two neighbours. Islamabad continues to accuse Kabul of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who launch cross-border attacks.