KABUL – The death toll from recent cross-border clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar has risen to 40, local health officials said Thursday, as tensions along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border continued despite a fragile ceasefire.
Zubair Agha, the Taliban’s public health director in Spin Boldak, told the BBC that the fatalities increased after several wounded individuals succumbed to their injuries in hospitals. He said at least 171 others remain injured, with several in critical condition.
It remains unclear whether any Taliban military personnel are among the dead. However, reports from southern Afghanistan suggest that the bodies of several Taliban fighters were transferred to Spin Boldak and nearby districts.
The Taliban have not yet issued updated figures. On Wednesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said 12 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in Pakistani attacks.
Earlier in the day, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that at least 18 civilians were killed and over 360 others wounded in the recent clashes. The mission said it was still verifying the exact number of casualties.
UNAMA urged both sides to end hostilities and safeguard civilians, reminding them of their obligations under international law to respect the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution to prevent civilian harm.
Fighting erupted Saturday night after the Taliban claimed to have attacked Pakistani border posts in retaliation for airstrikes on Kabul and Paktika provinces. Pakistan said it responded to Taliban attacks, and clashes quickly spread across eastern and southern border areas.
Hostilities intensified Tuesday night around the Spin Boldak–Chaman crossing, one of the busiest trade and transit routes between the two countries. The Taliban accused Pakistan of launching the first attack, while the Pakistani military blamed the Taliban for provoking the confrontation.
On Wednesday, Pakistani airstrikes reportedly targeted parts of Spin Boldak district. Separate reports suggested that deadly explosions in Kabul later that day were also the result of Pakistani aerial bombardment. The Emergency Hospital in Kabul said five people were killed and 35 others injured in those blasts.
Both sides announced a ceasefire Wednesday evening, effective from 5:30 p.m. Pakistani media reported the truce would last 48 hours. However, local sources said sporadic gunfire was heard overnight in Spin Boldak, indicating the ceasefire had been breached.
The ongoing border violence marks one of the deadliest escalations between Taliban and Pakistani forces in recent years, deepening already strained relations amid growing disputes over cross-border attacks, border tension and airspace violations.
