Residents in a border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been forced to flee as forces from both sides engaged in clashes into the early hours of Tuesday. The skirmishes occurred at Torkham, a crucial crossing point between the two countries that has been closed since February 21 due to an ongoing dispute.
According to a Pakistani official, who requested anonymity, the exchange of gunfire overnight on Monday created a sense of fear and panic among the local population. Security forces from both nations used light and heavy weapons, prompting residents to seek refuge in safer locations.
The official further stated that the situation remains tense, with security forces on high alert. Three Pakistani security personnel sustained injuries during the latest clash, but fortunately, there were no civilian casualties reported.
In response to the escalating tensions, authorities in Kabul have expressed their commitment to resolving the issue through dialogue. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have a history of periodically closing the Torkham and Chaman border crossings, primarily due to incidents of violence and crossfire. These crossings play a vital role in facilitating trade and travel between the two neighboring countries.
