Kabul Shaken by Renewed Clashes as Pakistan and Afghanistan Trade Fire
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Explosions and gunfire erupted in Kabul on Tuesday as fighting between Afghan and Pakistani forces continued along their shared border, marking a further escalation in a conflict that has already claimed dozens of lives. Afghan officials report the clashes are ongoing in multiple provinces, including Kandahar and Zabul.
The latest violence began Thursday when Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani airstrikes. Islamabad maintains its strikes targeted militants operating within Afghanistan, accusing the Taliban government of failing to address groups launching attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government denies these accusations.
AFP journalists in Kabul reported hearing multiple explosions and anti-aircraft fire throughout the city. Similar reports came from Jalalabad, a city situated between Kabul and the border. Residents near the Torkham border crossing, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Jalalabad, confirmed the fighting was continuing.
The Afghan government claims at least 39 civilians have been killed since Thursday, a figure Pakistan has not yet acknowledged. The United Nations children’s charity has expressed alarm over reports of child casualties, urging all parties to exercise restraint and protect civilian lives. Specifically, Afghan deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat stated three children were killed Monday in Kunar province, blaming the “Pakistani military regime.”
This latest outbreak of hostilities represents the worst violence between the two nations since October, when clashes resulted in over 70 deaths. Land borders remain largely closed. The ongoing conflict underscores the fragile security situation in the region and raises concerns about regional stability.
(France 24 with AFP)
