Fresh border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan erupted late Friday, marking a sharp escalation just days after peace negotiations hosted by Saudi Arabia ended without agreement.
According to officials quoted by Al Jazeera, the fighting started in the evening hours, with both Islamabad and Kabul accusing each other of initiating hostilities. The exchange of fire along the disputed Durand Line reportedly lasted around two hours.
What eyewitnesses say
Local residents in Afghanistan’s border regions told AFP that intense gunfire began late Friday night, approximately between 10 PM and midnight local time. Many reported hearing heavy automatic weapons and occasional artillery or mortar rounds.
Why the situation escalated so quickly
The latest round of Pakistan-Afghanistan border fighting in 2025 comes immediately after the failure of talks in Riyadh.
The discussions, mediated by Saudi Arabia, aimed to address long-standing issues including border fencing, cross-border movement, and the activities of militant groups operating in the area.
Both countries continue to trade accusations: Pakistan claims Afghan forces opened fire first, while the Taliban-led government in Kabul insists Pakistani troops provoked the incident.
As of now, there is no official confirmation of casualties or damage from either side. The situation remains tense, and further Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes cannot be ruled out in the coming days.
This article will be updated as more details emerge about the December 2025 Pakistan-Afghanistan border conflict.