At least five dead in new border unrest despite peace talks

TT

Published 20.36

 

People waiting at the border crossing at Spin Boldak in Kandahar province Archive photo. Photo: Sibghatullah/AP/TT

A clash on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has claimed at least five lives and at least as many injured.

The shooting on Thursday lasted for a short time in the troubled Kandahar province and both sides blame the other side in the conflict for the violence. Hospital sources say that four women and one man were killed in the clash.

The shooting deaths in the conflict area are complicating the ongoing talks between Islamabad and Kabul on a peace settlement. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of protecting militant groups - including the Pakistani branch of the Taliban movement (TTP). Kabul denies the accusations.

Talks between the two countries are being held in Turkey.

- Pakistani forces unfortunately opened fire in Spin Boldak (region) as the third round of negotiations had just begun in Istanbul, said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

“The firing started from the Afghan side, and our security forces responded responsibly,” Pakistan’s Information Ministry wrote on X.