Clashes Erupt Between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Hundreds Reported dead, Border Crossings Closed
Torkham/Chaman, Pakistan – intense fighting broke out between pakistani and Afghan forces this week, resulting in a reported death toll exceeding hundreds, according to Pakistani officials. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has denied obligation for initiating the conflict.
The clashes began near the Torkham border crossing, a vital trade route between the two nations, and quickly spread to the Chaman crossing in southwestern Pakistan. Reuters reports that three smaller crossings - Kharlachi,Angoor Adda,and Ghulam Khan – have also been closed.
Pakistani authorities claim 58 people were killed on thier side, a figure Afghanistan has not confirmed, with both sides historically inflating casualty numbers during conflicts. The fighting was reportedly halted at midnight following requests for de-escalation from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, according to a Taliban spokesman.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the escalating tensions and called for dialog, restraint, and cooperation to prevent further instability in the region.Saudi Arabia issued a similar call for restraint.
During a press conference in New Delhi, where he is on a visit to strengthen ties with India, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated Afghanistan had “achieved its goals by counter-attacking Pakistan,” but did not specify what those goals were. Muttaqi also denied the presence of Tehrik-i-taliban Pakistan (TTP) strongholds within Afghanistan, while acknowledging an influx of people from the tribal border region, referring to them as “migrants.” Independent researchers and Pakistan allege TTP supporters are among those who have fled to Afghanistan.
Muttaqi’s visit to India marks a thawing of relations, a shift occurring as pakistan strengthens its regional position with weapons from China and a new security pact with Saudi Arabia, raising the possibility of further conflict.
