Dozens Killed as Pakistan, Afghanistan Exchange Heavy Fire Before Ceasefire

Dozens of soldiers and civilians were killed in fierce clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border as Islamabad launched retaliatory airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar, officials and local sources said Wednesday.The latest outbreak of violence — among the deadliest cross-border confrontations in years — prompted both sides to declare a 48-hour ceasefire by Wednesday evening.Pakistan’s military accused the Afghan Taliban of launching “unprovoked fire” on major border posts near Kurram district and the Chaman–Spin Boldak crossing on Tuesday night. It said the army responded with mortar and drone strikes, killing around 20 Taliban fighters.Security sources confirmed that the Pakistani air force also carried out strikes on Taliban positions in Kandahar province, where the clashes reportedly began, and on targets in Kabul.Images from the area showed significant damage to the “friendship gate” at the Chaman–Spin Boldak border, which remained closed throughout the day. Hundreds of residents fled nearby Pakistani villages overnight amid heavy ...

• 15 Oct 2025