Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in heavy cross-border fire late Friday, according to officials from both sides, intensifying an already tense situation after peace talks failed earlier in the week.

Authorities reported no immediate casualties.

Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of initiating strikes in the Spin Boldak area of Kandahar province. In response, Pakistan’s government said Afghan forces were responsible for “unprovoked firing’’ along the Chaman frontier.

“Pakistan remains vigilant and fully committed to defending its territorial sovereignty and protecting its people,” said Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesman for the Pakistani prime minister.

The border skirmish occurred just two days after the latest round of negotiations between the neighboring countries c

See Full Page