Residents have been forced to flee the tense border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan following an ongoing clash that continued into the early hours of Tuesday. The conflict between forces on both sides has resulted in gunfire for the second consecutive day at Torkham, a significant crossing point between the two nations. This crossing has remained closed since February 21 due to an ongoing dispute between the neighboring countries.
An anonymous Pakistani official, who is not authorized to brief the media, reported that gunfire on Monday night instilled fear and panic among the residents. This caused many to seek refuge in safer areas as security forces exchanged both light and heavy weapons fire.
“The situation remains tense and security is on high alert,” the official stated. In the latest conflict, three Pakistani security personnel sustained injuries, but there were no reported civilian casualties. Meanwhile, in Kabul, Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani mentioned that efforts are underway to resolve the issue through diplomatic talks.
Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have historically shut down the Torkham crossing and the southwestern Chaman border crossing frequently due to deadly incidents and crossfire. These crossings play a critical role in facilitating trade and travel between Pakistan and the landlocked nation of Afghanistan.
