DNA
Moscow : The Russian Foreign Ministry voiced deep concern today over the intensifying armed clashes along the Afghan-Pakistani border, which have entered their second week amid reports of widespread fighting involving aircraft, heavy artillery, and ground forces across the disputed Durand Line.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that ongoing hostilities have caused casualties on both sides, including among civilians and returning Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran.
The conflict, concentrated in Pashtun tribal areas spanning provinces like Nangarhar, Kunar, Khost, Paktia, and Paktika, has displaced nearly 66,000 Afghans according to UN agencies, with heavy shelling and explosions continuing to spark fear among border communities.
“We are concerned about the ongoing fighting along the Afghan-Pakistani border,” Zakharova said. “In recent days, there have been reports of armed clashes involving aircraft and heavy weapons across virtually the entire border area inhabited by Pashtun tribes.
There have been casualties on both sides. The civilian population is suffering, including Afghan refugees who have returned from neighboring Pakistan and Iran. ”The escalation follows Pakistan’s airstrikes on alleged militant targets in Afghanistan starting late February, prompting Taliban-led retaliatory operations, cross-border raids, and claims of territorial gains by both sides.
Russia has previously mediated or supported talks in similar tensions, and observers note the call aligns with Moscow’s push for stability in Central and South Asia amid broader global pressures.
The statement comes as international bodies, including the UN and IOM, warn of rising displacement and civilian harm, with no immediate signs of ceasefire.
