The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday called for an immediate end to hostilities between Taliban and Pakistani forces, citing mounting civilian casualties from cross-border clashes.
“UNAMA calls on all parties for an immediate end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life,” the mission said in a statement posted on social media. It added that it had recorded scores of civilians killed and injured in recent fighting, though the full scale of harm was still being assessed.
The call came as Taliban and Pakistani forces reportedly clashed again on Wednesday in several border districts, despite a cease-fire the Taliban said had taken effect at 5:30 p.m. local time that day at Pakistan’s request.
Earlier Wednesday, heavy fighting broke out in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province and in multiple areas of Paktika province. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said 12 civilians were killed and more than 100 others wounded in the Spin Boldak fighting alone. He blamed Pakistani forces for initiating the clash, which reportedly lasted several hours.
Taliban officials said they ordered their fighters to observe the cease-fire unless attacked. As of late Wednesday, Pakistani authorities had not publicly confirmed the truce or commented on the day’s clashes.
Tensions along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border have escalated sharply in recent weeks. The violence has included ground clashes, artillery fire, and alleged airstrikes, with each side accusing the other of violations and aggression.
UNAMA’s appeal adds to growing international concern over the deteriorating security situation in southeastern Afghanistan. According to U.N. data, at least 14 cross-border clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces had already been recorded earlier this year, and recent incidents suggest that the frequency and intensity may be increasing.
