Clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces intensified on Wednesday, leaving dozens of military personnel and at least 12 Afghan civilians dead, according to authorities from both countries.
The fighting resumed before dawn along several points of the border, especially near the Pakistani city of Chaman and the Afghan district of Spin Boldak, in Kandahar province.
According to Kabul, Afghan forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in retaliation for alleged violations of Afghan airspace. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army reported the deaths of 23 of its troops and stated that the attack was repelled with "heavy losses" for Taliban positions.
Fighting in populated areas and civilians trapped
Medical sources in Chaman indicated that several people were injured and taken to local hospitals. Witnesses reported mortar shells falling on Pakistani villages, prompting the evacuation of numerous families. " This fighting started early and people living near the border area are leaving the zone," said Najibullah Khan, a local resident who called for an immediate ceasefire.
The clashes left more than a hundred injured and affected both civilians and soldiers from both countries. Although the fighting briefly ceased following calls from Saudi Arabia and Qatar last Sunday, border crossings remain closed and hostilities resumed on Wednesday.
