At least 18 killed, 360 wounded in Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes so far, UN says

Renewed border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have left at least 18 people dead and more than 360 injured, the United Nations has reported, amid growing calls for an urgent ceasefire to protect civilians.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the fighting, ongoing since 10 October, has caused heavy civilian casualties.

“UNAMA calls on all parties to bring a lasting end to hostilities to protect civilians,” it added.

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday after airstrikes and ground fighting ramped up tensions between the South Asian neighbours. 

Wednesday's fighting along the volatile, contested frontier shattered a fragile peace after dozens were killed in weekend clashes, the worst between the two Islamic countries since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.

The recent friction between the former allies erupted after Islamabad demanded that the Afghan Taliban administration act to rein in militants who had stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.  

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