Afghan officials said Pakistani troops launched an attack in Spin Boldak on Thursday, coinciding with the start of key peace talks in Istanbul.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani troops opened fire on Taliban forces in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar on Thursday evening, November 6, escalating tensions along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border.

Mujahid said Taliban fighters refrained from retaliating“out of respect for the negotiation team and to prevent civilian casualties.” He added that the incident violated the earlier agreement reached during talks to extend the ceasefire and avoid cross-border aggression.

Videos from the scene show heavy gunfire and residents fleeing the area in panic. Reports indicated that Pakistani border forces initiated the attack and fired several mortar rounds into Afghanistan territory.

No statement has yet been released by Pakistani officials. Eyewitnesses reported that several families from border villages left their homes fearing the clashes could intensify overnight.

The renewed border violence has caused widespread concern among local communities. Videos circulating online show women and children running from the area as gunfire echoes across the district.

Spin Boldak, one of the busiest and most sensitive crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has repeatedly witnessed armed confrontations between the two sides in recent years.

The latest incident comes as Afghan and Pakistani delegations meet in Istanbul for the third round of peace talks aimed at maintaining the fragile ceasefire and reaching a long-term border security agreement.

Observers warn that continued skirmishes could jeopardize diplomatic efforts underway in Turkey, undermining hopes for de-escalation and regional stability.

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