Tensions Rise as Pakistan Closes Border with Afghanistan
In recent developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, officials from Pakistan confirmed that they have closed several border crossings. This decision followed a series of exchanges of fire between the two nations, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
Late Saturday, Afghan troops reportedly opened fire on Pakistani border posts. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence, this was a response to Pakistani airstrikes that targeted a leader of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Kabul just days earlier. While these airstrikes have not been officially acknowledged by Pakistan, they seem to have escalated the already fragile situation. Pakistani security officials maintained that their forces retaliated by using both gunfire and artillery, damaging several Afghan border posts.
By Sunday morning, officials stated that the intensity of the exchanges had decreased. However, residents in Pakistan’s Kurram area reported continued sporadic gunfire. In light of these tensions, the main border crossings at Torkham and Chaman were closed, along with several minor crossings, such as Kharlachi and Angoor Adda, disrupting an essential route for commerce and travel.
Afghanistan’s government, now led by the Taliban, has been relatively quiet in its response to the border closure. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban administration, asserted that there was no threat on Afghan soil, attempting to project stability despite the unfolding events.
The longstanding relationship between the two nations has been fraught with accusations; Pakistan holds the Afghan Taliban responsible for harboring militants who target Islamabad. Conversely, Kabul denies these claims, insisting that it does not support insurgent activity.
As these tensions continue to play out, they underline the complex dynamics between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The situation remains unpredictable, and with both sides unwilling to back down, it’s a concerning time for the millions who live along this border.
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