New Clashes Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Escalate Border Tensions

SadaNews - Armed clashes have renewed between Afghan and Pakistani forces late Monday to Tuesday along the southern border between the two countries, according to an Afghan government official.

The official stated, "Our forces engaged in fierce clashes with Pakistani forces last night," as Islamabad continues to close all its border crossings with Afghanistan, particularly the strategic Torkham crossing, for the third consecutive day, following deadly battles that resulted in casualties on both sides.

The Torkham crossing is the most important commercial route between the two countries, as it handles most of the goods coming from the port of Karachi into Afghanistan, in addition to the movement of thousands of travelers daily. Traders fear significant losses and damage to goods if the closure continues.

Pakistani sources reported that tensions remain high despite Kabul's announcement to cease its military operations in response to a request from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Sources also revealed that Afghanistan refused to grant visas to a Pakistani delegation that was supposed to visit Kabul to discuss ways to ease tensions.

This escalation follows days after a Pakistani airstrike on the Afghan province of Paktia, which resulted in casualties, with Kabul holding Islamabad responsible for it.

The Pakistani army had announced the death of 23 soldiers in clashes with Afghan forces, while Kabul reported that 9 of its soldiers were killed.

Afghanistan and Pakistan share a border extending 2,640 kilometers, comprising several vital crossings that are a key hub in regional trade and the relations between the people on both sides of the border.