JAKARTA - More than 12 civilians were killed in Afghanistan when new fighting broke out between Afghan and Pakistani forces on Wednesday.
The military clashes broke a fragile peace after weekend clashes between the two countries that killed dozens of people.
Earlier allied, tensions recently between the two South Asian countries erupted after Islamabad demanded that the Afghan Taliban government act against militants that have stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they were operating from hiding places in Afghanistan.
The Taliban denies the presence of Pakistani militants in Afghanistan.
"In the early hours of the morning, Pakistani troops launched attacks of more than 12 civilians killed and more than 100 injured," said Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X.
The Taliban also said they had killed "a large number of Pakistani troops", seized their posts and centers, confiscated their weapons and tanks, and "destroyed" most of their military facilities.
Pakistani officials blamed the Taliban for the clashes and said four civilians were injured on their side of the border.
"Taliban forces attacked Pakistani posts near (district) Chaman," Habib Ullah Bangulzai, regional administrator in Pakistan's Chaman district, told Reuters.
The fighting continued for about five hours in the early hours, he said, adding that Pakistani troops had "backed down" the attack.
Despite frequent clashes between security forces of the two countries along the disputed border of 2,600 km (1,600 miles), last week's battle was the worst since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.
The two neighboring countries have closed several crossings along their border afterwards, causing trade to stall and causing many transport vehicles to be abandoned on both sides.
Pakistan is the main source of goods and food supplies for Afghanistan that are confined to the mainland and poor.
Last week's clashes sparked international concern.
China called on the two countries to protect its citizens and investments, Russia urged to exercise restraint, and US President Donald Trump said he could help end the conflict.
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