Kabul, Oct. 16 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said at least 17 civilians were killed and 346 others wounded during recent clashes between Pakistani border forces and Taliban fighters in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province.

The UNAMA noted that the figures were preliminary, and that the actual toll could be a lot higher in comparison to the data. The mission also confirmed that one person was killed and 15 others injured in separate incidents in Paktia, Paktika, Kunar, and Helmand provinces.

The body issuing a separate statement, urged both sides to cease hostilities, and stressed on the need to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life amid escalating border tensions, which have already ...