Civilian casualties reported in Kandahar as border conflict between Taliban and Pakistan enters eighth day

Civilian deaths in Kandahar and heavy fighting in eastern Afghanistan mark the eighth day of clashes between Taliban forces and the Pakistani military.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 7:13 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Amu.tv

Escalation of hostilities across eastern provinces

The ongoing military confrontation between Taliban forces and the Pakistani military reached its eighth consecutive day on Thursday. Heavy exchanges of fire and sporadic clashes have been reported across a broad geographic range, including the provinces of Khost, Paktia, Paktika, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Kandahar. In Kabul, residents reported hearing scattered gunfire during the early morning hours, adding to the atmosphere of instability within the capital. The conflict marks a severe breakdown in relations between the two neighbors since the Taliban assumed power in 2021.

Civilian fatalities and humanitarian impact

The human cost of the conflict is mounting, particularly in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar. Local sources indicate that recent Pakistani strikes resulted in the deaths of four civilians, three of whom were women. While the Taliban administration has not yet issued a public confirmation of these specific casualties, the United Nations has confirmed that cross border shelling and aerial operations have caused widespread damage to civilian dwellings. In Nangarhar, mortar strikes near the Torkham crossing reportedly wounded five individuals, including children, highlighting the vulnerability of non combatants.

Claims of aerial strikes and military casualties

Both nations have engaged in high intensity operations, with the Taliban run state broadcaster RTA claiming that their forces launched retaliatory airstrikes against Pakistani Frontier Corps command centers in Quetta and Kuchlak. The Taliban claim these strikes inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistani troops. Conversely, the Pakistani military maintains that its campaign, titled Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq, is a necessary measure to target militant groups allegedly operating from Afghan soil. Islamabad has vowed to continue the offensive until its strategic objectives are met, specifically citing the involvement of Afghan citizens in terror operations within Pakistan.