Heavy clashes between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban erupted overnight on the Pakistani-Afghan border near Chaman, leading to the evacuation of nearby villages. According to eyewitnesses on the Pakistani side, the fighting began around Fajr prayer time, with intense artillery fire.

An Afghan citizen from Spin Boldak filmed the shelling: Pakistani artillery shelling Taliban positions, damaging several civilian homes. Taliban information officer in Spin Boldak, Ali Mohammad Haqmal, confirmed:

"Many civilian houses were damaged by Pakistani shelling."

Afghan authorities have declared a state of emergency in Spin Boldak and asked residents to donate blood for the wounded.

The Pakistani side reports the death of two border guards; their bodies, according to local sources, have been seized by the Taliban. Traffic in Chaman has been paralyzed since 5:30 a.m.: convoys of vehicles, tanks, and ambulances are moving in chaos, residents are fleeing their homes. Armed tribal elders from Chaman are attempting to intervene to stem the escalation along the Durand Line.

Media outlets close to the Taliban have addressed the residents of Spin Boldak:

"Publishing videos and locations of weapons and soldiers gives coordinates to the enemy, please refrain from this."

The fighting at the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing is the most intense to date, with high casualty figures expected once more accurate data becomes available.