The United Nations has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to ensure “a lasting end to hostilities” and protect civilians after days of intense cross-border fighting left dozens dead and hundreds injured on both sides.
The violence, the deadliest since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, has raged since October 10, with both countries accusing each other of provocation. A ceasefire was agreed on Wednesday following appeals from regional powers amid fears of wider instability in an area where Islamic State and al-Qaida groups are active.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) welcomed the truce, reporting at least 17 civilians killed and 346 injured in Spin Boldak, while documenting further casualties in other provinces.
Pakistan has yet to release civilian figures but said security forces killed dozens of militants who crossed from Afghanistan into Mohmand district on Thursday. The two countries share the 2,611-km-long Durand Line, which Kabul has never recognized.