Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Conflict Escalates

A seven-day border conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has escalated with heavy shelling and airstrikes. Pakistan claims its airstrikes target militants using Afghan territory, while the Taliban government denies aiding such groups. The fighting has caused significant civilian casualties and displaced approximately 1,500 families. Residents along the border are considering fleeing their homes due to the intense shelling, particularly during the evening Ramadan fast. Turkey, through President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has offered to mediate a ceasefire between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Afghanistan. Both sides report inflicting heavy losses, with Afghanistan claiming to have shot down a Pakistani drone and captured border posts. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the Norwegian Refugee Council have reported on the casualties and displacement.