Escalating Violence at Pak-Afghan Border as Torkham Crossing Enters 10th Day of Closure
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Synopsis
Tensions escalate at the Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan as violent clashes continue for the 10th day, resulting in casualties and a prolonged closure of the crossing. Local residents express fear due to heavy artillery fire damaging homes.
Key Takeaways
- Driver killed in clashes at Torkham border.
- Two Pakistani soldiers injured during confrontations.
- Torkham border has been closed for 10 days.
- Heavy exchange of fire reported between both sides.
- Local residents affected by artillery fire.
Peshawar, March 4 (NationPress) A driver was fatally shot and at least two Pakistani soldiers were injured during intense clashes at the Torkham border separating Pakistan and Afghanistan, which has been closed for 10 consecutive days as of Monday.
The recent violence erupted despite a recent agreement between both nations to reopen the border crossing on Sunday (March 2). Yet, the crucial trade route at Torkham remains shut, leading to renewed clashes on Monday morning.
Pakistani security officials have confirmed the shooting incidents and confrontations at the Torkham border, indicating that tensions are escalating.
Local sources report that a significant exchange of fire occurred between the two sides.
"The heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan border security commenced late Sunday night. Both parties utilized heavy artillery, causing alarm among local residents as some projectiles struck homes, damaging properties near the border," shared a resident of Landi Kotal, the last locality on the Pakistani side of the border.
The Torkham crossing has remained closed for the last 10 days following Pakistani authorities' discovery of the Afghan Taliban's construction of a new border outpost. Pakistan has urged Afghan authorities to ensure that the current border structure is respected, emphasizing that previous protocols concerning any alterations to the existing border must be adhered to.
Despite the border's closure, Islamabad remains hopeful that this issue will be resolved within the week.
"We are eager to reopen the border. However, Afghan officials have requested additional time to confer with their higher authorities," stated a security personnel stationed at the Torkham border.
