Clashes Erupt Between Taliban and Pakistani Forces in Spin Boldak Border Area
In the early hours of Wednesday, October 15, intense military clashes broke out between the Taliban and Pakistani forces at the Spin Boldak border area in Kandahar province. The fighting lasted about four hours and ceased around 8:00 a.m. local time.
Local sources confirmed that both sides used light and heavy weapons, resulting in casualties among Taliban fighters and Pakistani soldiers. Additionally, a number of Afghan civilians were either killed or wounded during the confrontation.
According to Hafez Ali Mohammad, the head of information and culture in Spin Boldak, Pakistani forces fired mortar shells during the clash, which caused the deaths of at least three civilians. However, other sources on the ground have reported higher civilian casualty figures.
Health officials in Kandahar have reported that so far, 25 bodies and more than 80 injured individuals from this conflict have been transferred to medical centers in Kandahar city. Videos circulated in the media show the bodies of Pakistani soldiers and Afghan civilians in the area.
Some sources claim that the Taliban detonated the “Doosti” gate in Spin Boldak with explosives during the fighting and assert that they have captured Pakistani army posts. Taliban officials have also stated that they seized several tanks and weapons from Pakistani forces.
Following heightened tensions last weekend, the Taliban claimed that in response to recent Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika, they launched military operations along the Durand Line. These clashes have once again raised questions about the Taliban administration’s ability and willingness to secure the borders and protect the lives of Afghan civilians.
Although a Taliban spokesperson stated that the clashes have ended, concerns persist over the potential resumption of violence and the increasing civilian casualties.
