Tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border escalated sharply on Wednesday as Pakistan reportedly conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Spin Buldak city, hitting areas close to the key Chaman Border Crossing. The strikes are the latest event in a cycle of deadly conflict that ignited after Afghan forces launched strikes on multiple Pakistani military posts on the night of October 11.
The cross-border hostility, one of the most severe in recent years, has seen both sides claim heavy casualties. A video from Spin Buldak on Wednesday captured thick black smoke rising from the strike zone, underscoring the intensity of the confrontation.
Retaliation and Conflicting Claims
The surge in fighting began when Afghan forces struck Pakistani military positions over the weekend. According to The Associated Press, Afghan officials claimed their forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in response to what they described as repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace. Pakistan, while acknowledging losses, has countered with claims of inflicting heavy casualties on Afghan forces and affiliated militants.
The deadly weekend clashes between the countries have spiked tensions and left hundreds of people stranded, as major border crossings like Chaman have been forced to close. The violence follows a period of heightened friction, with Islamabad accusing the Afghan Taliban of harboring militants, specifically the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who carry out attacks on Pakistani soil. Pakistan’s Defence Minister has publicly accused Afghanistan of harboring terrorists, an allegation Kabul strongly denies.