As Taliban–Pakistan talks opened in Istanbul, local sources told Afghanistan International on Thursday that Pakistani border guards and Taliban forces had clashed in Spin Boldak, Kandahar.
Videos from the area captured the sound of gunfire and showed residents fleeing. According to the sources, the shooting occurred near the border gate. Several witnesses said Pakistani troops initiated the exchange and fired multiple mortar rounds into Afghan territory. They added that Taliban forces had not yet responded.
Neither Taliban nor Pakistani officials have commented on the incident.
Residents expressed fears that the fighting could escalate, with some leaving their homes for safer areas. Footage received by Afghanistan International shows panic among civilians, including women and children fleeing the clashes.
Spin Boldak is one of the most sensitive border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan and has seen repeated clashes in recent years.
The incident comes as the two sides begin their third round of negotiations in Istanbul, aimed at sustaining the ceasefire and reaching a broader agreement.
