Key border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan remained closed Monday, despite a ceasefire declared after deadly clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces over the weekend.
The Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings, major trade and transit points along the border, were shut down early Sunday following a night of heavy fighting. The closures have left thousands of trucks stranded on both sides and disrupted movement for travelers, traders and Afghan migrants attempting to return home.
Pakistani media reported that long lines of vehicles, including cargo trucks and passenger buses, were stuck at the border, while many Afghan citizens attempting to cross remained trapped on either side.
The closures followed intense clashes late Saturday night, when Taliban and Pakistani forces exchanged fire across multiple points along the border. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 25 border posts were captured by Taliban fighters. He later revised Taliban casualties to nine dead.
Pakistan’s military disputed those claims, saying at least 200 Taliban fighters and affiliated militants — including members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — were killed in retaliatory strikes. Islamabad said 23 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 29 injured in the fighting.
Though both sides later declared a ceasefire, tensions remain high. Pakistani drones reportedly bombed areas in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar around 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, according to local sources. Neither side has commented on the specific targets or possible casualties from those reported strikes.
