Pakistan–Afghanistan border clashes leave five dead amid escalating tensions

Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their border last night, officials from both countries said, killing at least five people amid heightened tensions following failed peace talks last weekend. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani forces launched attacks in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province. His deputy Hamdullah Fitra told to media that shelling by Pakistan killed five people, including a Taliban member.
Meanwhile, a Taliban spokesperson said Pakistan had once again initiated attacks and said it was forced to respond. Head of Khandahar’s information department Ali Mohammed Haqmal said Pakistan’s forces had attacked with light and heavy artillery and civilian homes had been hit by mortar fire. Afghan Taliban government also accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes within Afghan territory. Both countries confirmed the exchange of fire but continued to lay the blame for starting the conflict on their counterpart. The exchange came nearly a week after a new round of peace talks between the South Asian neighbours ended without a breakthrough, although both sides agreed to continue their fragile ceasefire