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.