Clashes at Torkham border leave one dead, several injured amid Afghanistan and Pakistan border closure

At least one person has been killed in clashes between Pakistani and Taliban security forces at the Torkham border crossing. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that one member of its security forces died and two others were injured in the overnight fighting. The Torkham crossing, a key transit point, was closed last month by Pakistan after a dispute over Afghanistan’s construction of a new border post.

Two Pakistani security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to Aljazeera that members of their security forces had also been wounded in the clashes. The violence erupted on the first working day of Ramadan, a time when food imports from Pakistan typically peak in Afghanistan.

The fighting has led to about 5,000 trucks, carrying essential goods, being stranded on both sides of the border. These trucks have been stuck in harsh winter conditions, creating a significant logistical and humanitarian crisis. The conflict is expected to worsen the already dire economic situation in Afghanistan, where millions face hunger and nearly half the population needs humanitarian aid to survive, according to the United Nations.

The Torkham border crossing has a history of being closed due to deadly incidents involving crossfire between Pakistani and Taliban forces. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harboring militants who attack from Afghanistan soil, a claim denied by the Taliban government. In December, Pakistan conducted military strikes on Afghanistan territory, killing dozens.

Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesperson for the Taliban Interior Ministry, blamed Pakistan for initiating the violence, stating that Taliban security forces acted defensively after failed dialogue attempts. A Pakistani official, however, claimed that the Taliban opened fire unprovoked, targeting Pakistan’s border post with automatic weapons, prompting a return of fire.

The closure of the Torkham crossing has resulted in significant economic losses. According to local officials, the closure has caused at least $15 million in damages to Pakistan, while Afghan traders are losing $500,000 a day due to the disruption of trade.

The border conflict, along with the ongoing tensions, is exacerbating the challenges faced by both countries, especially in the context of Afghanistan’s fragile economy.

The escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan at the Torkham border highlight the fragile nature of their relationship and the devastating impact of border disputes on both economies. The closure of this key crossing is worsening the humanitarian situation and hindering trade between the two nations, which both countries depend on for essential goods.

The future of the Torkham crossing and broader bilateral relations will largely depend on efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a lasting solution to the issues surrounding the border. Until then, the ongoing conflict and its economic repercussions are likely to continue affecting both nations.

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