Four civilians lost their lives and four others were injured during new clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces near the Spin Boldak district in Kandahar, according to Tolo News, which cited local sources. The casualties reportedly resulted from mortar shelling in the Maazal Gali and Luqman village areas after fighting broke out on Friday evening. Among the injured are a woman and a man who are in critical condition and are being treated at Aino Mina Hospital.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the incident on X, accusing Pakistani forces of initiating the assault inside Afghan territory. “Unfortunately, this evening the Pakistani side once again carried out attacks toward Afghanistan in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar, prompting our forces to respond,” he wrote on Saturday.

Dawn reported that heavy gunfire was exchanged between the two sides along the Chaman border late Friday night, with officials from both Afghanistan and Pakistan accusing one another of sparking the violence. Pakistani authorities alleged that Afghan troops fired mortar rounds at the Badani area, prompting retaliation.

A senior Quetta official, who spoke anonymously, told Dawn that the confrontation began around 10 pm on Friday and continued into the early hours of Saturday. Muhammad Owais, Medical Superintendent of the Chaman district hospital, said three people — including a woman — were admitted with injuries after the incident.

As of the latest reports, neither Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) nor the Foreign Office has issued an official statement regarding the clashes, Dawn noted. Border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have risen repeatedly in recent months, with both nations frequently accusing each other of violating frontier norms.