Smoke rose over the mountains near the Afghan-Pakistan frontier on Friday as shelling and air raids intensified, prompting civilians to flee temporary camps and nearby villages. Residents living close to refugee settlements evacuated overnight, fearing further attacks.
Local resident Waqas Shinwari described the situation as one of fatigue on both sides, with communities hoping for reconciliation after months of instability.
Afghan officials accused Pakistan of firing mortars into civilian areas, while Afghan forces responded with retaliatory strikes targeting military positions across the border. Pakistan subsequently launched air raids in Kabul and other provinces, marking the most extensive bombardment since the Taliban regained control in 2021. Islamabad cited cross-border militant attacks as justification for the escalation, a claim firmly rejected by Kabul.
The ongoing clashes have left border crossings largely closed, disrupting trade and family movements across the frontier. Despite international mediation efforts, diplomatic solutions remain stalled, raising concerns that the confrontation could extend further and intensify in the coming weeks.
The latest developments underscore the fragility of security in the region, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further humanitarian and economic fallout.
