Border Conflict Escalation: Pakistan Air Strikes Continue in Afghanistan, 21 Killed So Far

Afghanistan-Pakistan Clash: The tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan has now turned into open war. On Wednesday morning the Pakistani Air Force conducted airstrikes in Spin Boldak city of the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. The attacks took place near the Chaman border crossing, where three Afghan-Taliban posts were targeted. According to local sources, people saw bombs falling from drones and fighter planes. Afghan Border Police said that after the explosions, black smoke covered the area and windows of many houses were broken. In the viral video on social media, dense smoke rising from Spin Boldak is clearly visible.

Deadly Clash Claims 21 Lives

A total of 21 people from both sides were killed in this conflict. Reuters reports that six Pakistani paramilitary soldiers were killed, while AFP reports that 15 Afghan civilians were killed and dozens were injured. Afghan officials said only 12 civilians were killed in Pakistani attacks, but the total number reached 15. According to the reports, there was heavy destruction in Spin Boldak, where Afghan forces responded to Pakistani attacks.

Continuous clashes on Durand Line 

This latest attack took place at a time when clashes have been continuing on the Durand Line since October 11. Afghan forces attacked several Pakistani posts that day. Afghan officials claimed they killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, while Pakistan said 23 of its soldiers were killed and more than 200 "Taliban soldiers and terrorists" were killed, AP reported. According to Wikipedia, on October 9, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, Khost, Jalalabad and Paktika, which were targeting the Pakistani Taliban. The Eurasian Times reported that Afghan strikes on October 11–12 increased tensions.

Trucks Stranded Amid Border Chaos

After the conflict, the Chaman border was completely closed. Afghan police spokesman Abidullah Uqab said that all the posts along the border with Pakistan have been sealed. On Monday, about 1,500 Afghan civilians were allowed to return home on foot, but trade and transport remained at a standstill. Hundreds of trucks and passengers are stranded between the two countries. According to Amu TV, the fighting started at 4 am and continued till 9 am. News18 reported that four people died, while Moneycontrol confirmed drone bombing.

Pakistan claims: Training center destroyed

According to Pakistan's state media, the Afghan army and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) jointly opened fire on a Pakistani post 'without provocation.' In response to this, Pakistani soldiers gave a befitting reply in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security officials said that the Pak Army destroyed a major training center of the TTP. According to Bloomberg, Pakistani forces retaliated with light and heavy weapons in Spin Boldak. Afghanistan blamed Pakistan, while Islamabad described the Taliban as the aggressor.

Regional instability increased 

This conflict is rekindling the old dispute of the Durand Line, which affects Pashtun unity. According to Ariana News, there was heavy fighting in Kandahar, while Politico heard the sounds of jets in Chaman. TTP attacks cost the Pakistani Army 11 soldiers. Afghanistan raised questions on Pakistan's morality for calling the Taliban an 'illegal government.' No sign of tension easing without international mediation. Will this small skirmish turn into a big war? The coming days will tell.