Sources Report Clash Between Taliban Forces and Pakistani Border Guards in Zabul
Sources in Zabul province reported a clash between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards in the Shmalzay district late on March 23, 2026. The exchange of fire lasted about two hours and began after Pakistani border guards shelled residential areas, according to the sources.
The sources said mortar shells struck residential houses during the clash, but provided no details on casualties or the extent of damage.
The incident marks the first reported clash in the border areas following the end of a four-day unilateral ceasefire by Pakistan. The Taliban have claimed that the ceasefire was violated prior to its official conclusion.
Neither Taliban nor Pakistani officials have commented officially on the clash.
The incident comes amid border clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards, as well as Pakistani airstrikes on various parts of Afghanistan including Kabul, which have now entered their fourth week. Both sides have claimed to have inflicted heavy casualties on each other, though these figures cannot be independently verified.
Reports from the United Nations and global organizations indicate that the majority of casualties in these clashes have been civilians.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
More in Security
Pakistan Uses 'Calculated Pressure' on Taliban in Escalating Clashes, Avoids Targeting Leaders
Pakistan Reaffirms Anti-Terrorism Commitment as Ceasefire with Kabul Nears Deadline
Reports of Two Explosions at US Consulate in Erbil, Iraq
Hundreds of Families Displaced by Pakistani Army Attacks in Nangarhar Face Harsh Conditions
ReliablePakistan Uses 'Calculated Pressure' on Taliban in Escalating Clashes, Avoids Targeting Leaders
Pakistan has conducted airstrikes in Afghan cities amid escalating clashes with the Taliban, who have responded with attacks, causing significant civilian casualties according to UN figures. A former Pakistani general says the strikes apply 'calculated pressure' without targeting leaders to avoid regional instability.
ReliablePakistan Reaffirms Anti-Terrorism Commitment as Ceasefire with Kabul Nears Deadline
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed commitments to anti-terrorism operations, including in Afghanistan, as a temporary Eid al-Fitr ceasefire with Kabul authorities nears its end without signs of extension. Tensions continue amid mutual accusations and recent deadly cross-border incidents.
DevelopingReports of Two Explosions at US Consulate in Erbil, Iraq
Regional media reported two explosions at the US Consulate in Erbil, Iraq, with no details on damage or casualties and no comment from US or Iraqi officials. The incident occurs amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Trump's ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz.
ReliableHundreds of Families Displaced by Pakistani Army Attacks in Nangarhar Face Harsh Conditions
Hundreds of families from border districts in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces have been displaced by recent Pakistani army attacks and are facing harsh conditions in Mohmand Dara district without shelter, food or aid. Victims report civilian casualties, injuries and home destruction from mortar strikes.