Torkham Border Shut Down Amidst Gunfire Exchanges and Village Captures: Afghan-Pakistan Tensions Intensify

The main border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Torkham, was closed on Wednesday (September 6) after security forces from both countries engaged in gunfire exchanges. Locals reported hearing gunfire at the Torkham crossing and witnessed individuals in the bustling border area near the Khyber Pass fleeing once the shooting began. The clashes reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least two Afghan soldiers and the injury of four Afghan soldiers and one Pakistani soldier. There has been no official confirmation of these casualties yet.

Reports also indicated that various villages have been captured. In addition to the gunfire exchanges, a Pakistani Taliban (TTP) spokesperson and a key commander have claimed that large numbers of TTP fighters have entered Chitral district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The TTP commander stated that an operation in Chitral district had been launched, leading to the capture of various villages. The lack of internet connectivity in the area has made it difficult to verify these claims. The Torkham border crossing, located along the Grand Trunk Road on the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, serves as a vital point of transit for both travelers and goods between the two countries. Disputes related to this border have been a long-standing issue between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The crossing has been closed multiple times in recent years, causing significant disruptions to trade and movement. The recent closure of the Torkham border comes amidst strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan since the Taliban's return to power in Kabul two years ago. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring fighters who carry out attacks on its soil.

The closure also follows Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar's statement that military equipment left behind by the United States during its withdrawal from Afghanistan had fallen into the hands of armed groups, including the Pakistani Taliban. Authorities from both countries are working to de-escalate tensions and find a resolution to the border dispute. Meanwhile, dozens of trucks carrying perishable items, including vegetables and fruits, are waiting on both sides of the border for the reopening of the Torkham crossing.