UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan after fierce fighting broke out between the neighboring countries, according to Reuters.

Guterres “is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence we’re seeing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the impact that violence is having on civilian populations,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

“He calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and he reiterates his call on the parties to resolve any differences through diplomacy,” the spokesman added.