Pakistani security sources say the main crossing point 'Torkham' at the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed on Wednesday, September 6, following gunfire between the security forces of the two countries. According to Reuters, local residents reported hearing gunfire at the 'Torkham' crossing and said civilians fled the area as the shooting began. Meanwhile, the online newspaper 'Etemad-e-Ruz' reported that local sources in 'Momand Dara' in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan stated that in this clash, 'four Afghan children', along with two Taliban members and two Pakistani soldiers were killed. According to these sources, 16 Afghans and four Pakistanis were also injured in the clash. Additionally, Radio Azadi, affiliated with Radio Free Europe, reported that four Taliban forces were killed in the clash with Pakistani forces at Torkham. A source at the scene, who requested anonymity, told the radio that the clash was initiated by Pakistani forces and lasted for two hours. This source claimed that Pakistani forces also suffered casualties. According to the report, Pakistani officials have not yet commented on this matter. Meanwhile, Abdul Basir Zabili, spokesman for the Taliban command in Nangarhar, stated that the clash has stopped, but the Torkham crossing remains closed. Local sources told 'Etemad-e-Ruz' that the clash occurred when the Taliban attempted to establish a military outpost near the Torkham crossing, which was met with a reaction from Pakistani border forces. Border disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which share a 2,600-kilometer border, have caused tensions between the two neighbors for many years. 'Etemad-e-Ruz' noted that 'according to the statistics from the Taliban Ministry of Interior, in the past two years, the forces of this group have clashed with the border forces of neighboring countries 50 times.' The 'Torkham' crossing, which is the main transit point for travelers and goods between the two countries, has been closed multiple times in recent years. For instance, following the closure of this crossing in February of this year, thousands of trucks carrying goods were halted for several days on both sides of the border.
Border Clash Between Taliban Forces and Pakistan; Torkham Crossing Closed
A border clash between Taliban forces and Pakistani security resulted in the closure of the Torkham crossing, with casualties including Afghan children and soldiers from both sides. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over border disputes and military presence.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A border clash occurred at the Torkham crossing between Taliban forces and Pakistani security, resulting in multiple casualties and the closure of the crossing. The clash reportedly started when the Taliban attempted to establish a military outpost.
- Four Afghan children and several soldiers from both sides were killed in the clash.
- The Torkham crossing is a vital transit point for goods and people between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has a long history of disputes, particularly over the Durand Line, which Pakistan considers its border but Afghanistan does not recognize. These tensions have led to frequent clashes.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%