Border clashes have erupted again between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban forces, with each side accusing the other of breaking a fragile ceasefire.
Residents fled the Afghan city of Spin Boldak overnight, which lies along the 1,600-mile (2,600 km) border between the two countries.
A medical worker in the nearby city of Kandahar reported that four bodies had been brought to a local hospital, with injuries also reported on both sides.
Spokespeople from both nations confirmed they exchanged fire overnight but each blamed the other for initiating the four hours of fighting, which began around 22:30 local time on Friday.
This incident comes less than two months after a ceasefire was agreed upon, aimed at ending previous deadly encounters that resulted in numerous casualties.
Pakistan's officials accused the Taliban of starting the violence, while Taliban representatives claimed they were forced to respond to Pakistani attacks on their territory with both light and heavy artillery.
The government in Islamabad has long accused the Taliban of harboring groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan, while the Taliban denies such claims and accuses Pakistan of blaming others for its own security failures.
The recent clashes further underline the volatility in the region, emphasizing the need for renewed diplomatic efforts as both sides continue to grapple with underlying tensions.
