Calm returned to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Chaman, a day after heavy cross-border firing left several people injured.

 

 

At least three civilians were wounded on the Pakistani side, while Afghan authorities said five people were injured across the border. Officials said Afghan forces fired mortar shells at the Badani area, prompting retaliatory fire from Pakistani troops. However, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of initiating the attack on Spin Boldak.

 

 

Pakistan’s military said in a statement yesterday that Afghan forces carried out unprovoked firing and that a befitting and intense response was delivered. Authorities in Quetta said the exchange began around 10 pm on Friday and continued late into the night.

 

 

The clashes came amid stalled negotiations between the two countries after three rounds of talks in Istanbul failed to produce progress.