Pakistan and Afghanistan Report Cross-Border Attacks, Ceasefire in Jeopardy

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reported cross-border attacks, with both countries accusing each other of launching new assaults. On Monday, the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan confirmed that four people were killed in attacks in the eastern Kunar province. In South Waziristan, at least three civilians were injured by gunfire.

The resumption of violence has raised concerns about fragile peace talks between the two nations. A ceasefire was agreed upon in March, which halted weeks of deadly violence. The Taliban’s Deputy Spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, stated that Pakistani military forces launched mortar and rocket attacks, resulting in injuries to 45 people.

Pakistan’s Information Ministry denied the report, calling it a “blatant lie.” However, a spokesman for the country’s border forces described the incident as the most serious clash since the ceasefire was declared. The strikes mark the first major attack since the pair agreed to halt violence at peace talks last month, mediated by China.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained since the Taliban took power in 2021. Security issues have proven a sticking point, particularly Pakistan’s demand that Afghanistan curb the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) armed group. Islamabad accuses the Taliban government of sheltering the TTP, while Kabul rejects this claim, stating that it is Pakistan that harbours hostile groups and does not respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

The border between the two nations has remained largely closed since deadly cross-border violence in October froze bilateral trade. The heaviest fighting in years occurred in February after Afghanistan launched an operation against the Pakistani military along the Durand Line. A truce was agreed upon in March, but sporadic violence has been reported since then.

Source: Al Jazeera