Renewed Clashes Erupt Between Afghan and Pakistani Forces in Torkham Sector
Heavy cross-border clashes erupted on March 5, 2023, between Afghan and Pakistani forces, particularly in the Torkham-Jalalabad area. Reports indicate local evacuations and injuries among journalists. At least three Pakistani soldiers and one Taliban fighter have been killed. The conflict flared after a dispute regarding Afghan military positioning, following a ten-day closure of the Torkham border, which disrupted significant trade.
On March 5, 2023, significant cross-border clashes reignited between Afghan and Pakistani forces in the Torkham-Jalalabad region. Reports indicate that many residents near the border in Afghanistan have evacuated to seek safety amidst the escalating violence. Both nations’ border guards employed heavy weaponry, including rockets, targeting positions across the frontier.
Injuries have been reported among journalists on the Afghan side; however, official confirmation remains pending. The recent flare-up comes in the wake of ongoing conflicts where both forces have been engaging in sustained heavy fire and shelling incidents in the sector.
As of now, the clashes have resulted in the deaths of at least three Pakistani soldiers and one Taliban fighter, with numerous casualties reported on both sides. The initial cause of the hostilities stems from a dispute regarding Afghan soldiers attempting to establish a post close to the Torkham border, contested by the Pakistani forces.
These armed confrontations follow the closure of the Torkham border for ten days, which serves as the primary transit route between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The prolonged border shutdown, amidst growing diplomatic and military strains, has led to thousands of goods-laden trucks being stranded on both sides of the frontier, disrupting a bilateral trade valued at approximately $1.6 billion in the previous calendar year.
The renewed clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces highlight ongoing tensions along the border, exacerbated by recent disputes over territorial control. The humanitarian impact is significant, with residents fleeing the violence and trade suffering due to the closure of the Torkham border. Continued dialogue and conflict resolution efforts are essential to restore stability in the region.
Original Source: newsvibesofindia.com
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