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On July 14, Taliban forces claimed the capture of the Wesh–Chaman border crossing, one of the major international trade and transit border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is located in Spin Boldak in Western Kandahar province. The Spin Boldak district center and police headquarters of Kandahar province alsocame under the control of Taliban, including numerous weapons, vehicles and ammunition.
Meanwhile, Kabul officials claim the Taliban attack was repelled and the border crossing remains under government control.
“The terrorist Taliban had some movements near the border area… The security forces have repelled the attack,” interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian told AFP.
The Government forces have not provided any evidence to support their claims, but photos showing flag of Taliban over the border crossing were published online.
Large Taliban flag raised near Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossing in Spin Boldak, Kandahar. pic.twitter.com/s8v7vVRD4e
— FJ (@Natsecjeff) July 14, 2021
At Spin Boldak border gate #Kandahar #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/wLTQU4R5Ms
— Dr. Drexluddin Khan Spiveyzai Kayani (Drexy Baba) (@RisboLensky) July 14, 2021
Fighting across Kandahar province have continued for several days. The government deployed commando fighters in the provincial capital to launch counter attacks and prevent the Taliban’s advance. However, the fighters inched closer to taking the frontier crossing.
🇦🇫 Taliban continue to seize military units, roadblocks and key roads in Kandahar province@serious_war_eng pic.twitter.com/oCcQEVapjP
— Serious War (@serious_war_eng) July 14, 2021
Fall of another border crossing into Taliban’s hands is a strategic failure for government forces. Each time the government in Kabul loses much-needed revenue, while the Taliban members fill their coffers.
A highway through this border crossing is leading to Pakistan’s city of Karachi and the port on the Arabian Sea. This rout has been used for billion-dollar heroin trade from Afghanistan.
If confirmed, the taking of Spin Boldak would provide the Taliban with a direct access to Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Top leadership of the movement has been based there for decades. It would also facilitate the transfer of new recruiters and reserve fighters from Pakistan.
