Civilians Flee as Clashes Erupt on Afghanistan-Pakistan Border
Intense cross-border shelling and clashes between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban commenced on April 26 in the Chaman border sector of Kandahar province. The fighting, which resulted in military and civilian casualties, prompted residents of several villages in southwestern Pakistan to flee their homes. Local reports described entire villages being emptied as civilians sought safety from the explosions and sustained gunfire, which damaged homes and infrastructure in the area.