Taliban Accuses Pakistani Forces of Attack in Spin Boldak During Peace Talks in Istanbul

The Taliban government has accused Pakistani forces of launching an attack in Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak region amid ongoing peace talks in Istanbul. On Thursday (November 6), the Afghan Taliban stated that they have not yet retaliated, out of respect for the negotiations and consideration for the safety of civilians.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on social media, “The third round of talks with Pakistan has begun in Istanbul. However, this afternoon Pakistani forces once again opened fire in Spin Boldak, creating panic among local residents. The forces of the Islamic Emirate have not yet responded, in respect of the talks and to prevent harm to ordinary people.”

Violation of Previous Agreement

The Taliban further stated that in the previous round of negotiations, both sides had agreed to extend the ceasefire and refrain from aggression. However, Afghanistan claims that this latest attack by Pakistan violates that agreement.

According to AFP sources, the shelling from the Pakistani side involved both light and heavy weapons and directly targeted civilian areas. Afghan military sources said the attack lasted 10 to 15 minutes and spread panic among the local population.

Pakistan’s Counterclaim

The Pakistani government claimed that the gunfire originated from the Afghan side of the border, and its response was a “measured reaction.” Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring terrorist activities near the border, an allegation the Taliban administration denies.

Deteriorating Relations and Recent Clashes

Last month, at least 70 people were killed in border clashes following an explosion in Kabul, more than 50 of them Afghan civilians. According to the United Nations, it was one of the deadliest incidents in recent years.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have steadily deteriorated. Mutual distrust has deepened, particularly over border security and terrorism concerns.

Agreements and Talks

On October 19, both countries agreed to a ceasefire in Qatar. However, negotiations in Turkey last week to finalize the details of that agreement came to a standstill. Both sides accused each other of failing to act in good faith.

The third round of talks resumed in Istanbul on Thursday. Yet both sides have warned that if the discussions fail, clashes may erupt again.

Rising Tensions

This situation has further heightened tensions between the two South Asian neighbors. The continued clashes during peace talks highlight how difficult the path toward a political settlement remains. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both countries to resolve their disputes through dialogue rather than conflict.