New clashes broke out on Wednesday between Afghan and Pakistani forces along the Durand Line, escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries amid an already fragile relationship following recent airstrikes.
According to Afghanistan’s Khaama Press, the fighting erupted in the Shorabak district of southern Kandahar province and continued into the early hours of Tuesday morning. Local sources reported heavy gunfire and the use of artillery by both sides, though details remain scarce.
Neither Kabul nor Islamabad has issued official statements regarding casualties or damage caused during the confrontation. Reports from border communities suggest that the skirmishes forced several families to flee nearby villages, fearing a broader escalation.
The renewed hostilities come just days after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kabul and Paktika provinces, reportedly targeting hideouts of militants accused of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government in Kabul condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of Afghan sovereignty, while Pakistan’s officials have yet to comment publicly on the operations.
The Durand Line, a 2,640-kilometre border drawn during British colonial rule in 1893, has long been a source of friction between the two countries. Afghanistan has never formally recognised it as an international boundary, and clashes along the frontier have flared periodically since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Analysts say the latest confrontation underscores deepening mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul, particularly over cross-border militancy. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of sheltering members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces. The Taliban, in turn, denies the allegations and has urged dialogue instead of military action.
Tensions have been mounting for months, with Pakistan increasingly vocal about security threats emanating from Afghan territory. In contrast, the Taliban administration insists that Pakistan must respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty and refrain from unilateral strikes.
Observers warn that continued military confrontations could further destabilise the already volatile region, disrupt trade routes, and worsen humanitarian conditions in border areas.
As of Wednesday evening, sporadic gunfire was reportedly still heard in parts of Kandahar’s border districts, though both sides appeared to have scaled back major operations. Regional diplomats have urged restraint and called for immediate dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.
The border situation remains tense, with fears of renewed clashes if diplomatic efforts fail to defuse the standoff.
