Afghanistan, Pakistan enter 48-hour truce after deadly border clashes
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire following the deadliest border clashes in years.
- The truce began Wednesday evening, with both countries claiming the other requested the pause in hostilities.
- The recent violence involved Afghan Taliban offensives against Pakistani border posts, which Pakistan claimed to have repelled.
- Tensions stem from Pakistan's accusation that Afghanistan shelters TTP fighters, a claim Kabul rejects.
- Both sides reported significant casualties, including dozens of deaths and the killing of an Afghan journalist covering the conflict.
Pakistan and Afghanistan initiated a 48-hour ceasefire starting Wednesday at 6:00pm Islamabad time, following a week of intense border fighting that resulted in dozens of fatalities and necessitated evacuations. While Pakistan confirmed the truce duration, emphasizing a commitment to constructive dialogue for a resolution, the Taliban government in Kabul directed its forces to adhere to the pause unless provoked. The recent violence escalated after the Taliban launched offensives along the southern border, which Pakistan countered by accusing Afghanistan of harboring TTP fighters, a charge rejected by Kabul. Prior to the truce, Pakistani military reported repelling attacks near Spin Boldak, claiming approximately 20 Taliban fighters killed, though the Taliban disputed casualty figures, reporting significant civilian losses. The conflict also saw the death of an Afghan state television journalist by Pakistani fire while reporting on the clashes, underscoring the high stakes of the confrontation.
