Kabul, Oct 15 — United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, on Wednesday expressed deep concern over reports of heavy civilian casualties and ongoing armed clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces along the border. He urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and uphold international humanitarian law.
In a statement shared on X, Bennett said, “I am deeply concerned by reports of numerous civilian casualties as well as displacement caused by ongoing armed clashes on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and abide by international law.”
His remarks came after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that 12 civilians were killed and more than 100 others injured following attacks by Pakistani forces on the Spin Boldak district of southern Kandahar on Wednesday morning. According to Mujahid, Pakistani troops used both light and heavy weapons, prompting retaliatory action by Afghan forces that reportedly resulted in the deaths of several Pakistani soldiers and the capture of military posts.
Local media reported that the clashes began around 4 a.m. and continued until 8 a.m., causing significant damage to nearby residential areas. Medical officials in Kandahar confirmed that at least 25 bodies and over 80 injured, including women and children, were brought to local hospitals.
Meanwhile, Pakistani outlets reported that 20 Taliban fighters were killed and several others wounded after Pakistani troops repelled an attack in Balochistan. Both countries have issued conflicting statements on casualties and responsibility for the renewed hostilities.
The incident marks the latest escalation in the volatile border region, following recent cross-border strikes and retaliatory operations. Earlier, on October 12, Mujahid had claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 20 security posts destroyed along the Durand Line, underscoring rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
