Afghanistan, Pakistan: Additional clashes are likely along the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing following another security incident, Dec. 15 /update 1

Event

Additional clashes are likely near the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing, located along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, following another security incident, Dec. 15. On Dec. 15, Pakistani officials reported firing and shelling from Afghanistan; the incident killed one person and injured at least 12 others, including civilians. The event follows a similar incident Dec. 11 when cross-border firing from Afghanistan left eight Pakistani civilians and one Afghan soldier dead; Afghan authorities have indicated that the action was accidental.

Authorities on both sides of the border will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture over the coming days. Enhanced measures, including the deployment of additional personnel and border checks, cannot be ruled out. Further rounds of cross-border fighting remain possible. Shipping and supply chain disruptions are likely if any prolonged border closures occur.

The Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing is approximately 100 km (59 miles) southeast of Kandahar city, Afghanistan, and about 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Quetta, Pakistan.

Context

The Dec. 11 and 15 and 11 incidents follow another border skirmish along the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing Nov. 13 when unidentified assailants along the Afghan border opened fire on Pakistani forces; the skirmish left one Pakistani soldier killed and wounded two guards, prompting a temporary border closure Nov. 13-21. For decades, Afghanistan and Pakistan have experienced territorial disputes along the second busiest crossing between the two countries, a critical trade route for landlocked Kabul. The latest spate of incidents is not necessarily indicative of a further escalation in regional security risks, which are already high.

Advice

Avoid the area due to possible additional fighting. Reconfirm the status of the crossing before travel or processing cargo shipments through the area. Seek alternative ground transport routes if the closure continues. Heed all transport and security advisories.