Tensions flared at the weekend, after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani soldiers, accusing them of violating their territory.

Chaman

Pakistani and Afghan forces have exchanged fire in a remote northwestern border region, leading to casualties on both sides and the closure of all border crossings between the two countries. The fighting, which began after Afghan forces accused Pakistani soldiers of violating their territory, has displaced residents from nearby villages and caused significant hardship for civilians.

The clashes have centered around the Chaman-Spinbaldak border crossing, a major route between the two nations, and follow recent attacks on Pakistani security forces by the Tariq-e-Taliban Pakistan. Both governments have accused each other of provoking the violence, and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions have so far been unsuccessful.

Pakistani, Afghan forces trade fire along northwestern border region

been intense overnight fighting between Pakistani and Afghan forces in a remote northwestern border region. There are reports of casualties on both sides. This is the second time in recent days that the two neighbors have traded fire. Tensions flared after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani soldiers during the weekend, accusing them of violating their territory. All border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain closed. The unrest has displaced people from nearby villages. This fighting has been going on since early morning, and the people who live close to the border are leaving the area. They're worried, and they want both countries to stop this war. People are in a very difficult situation. Shells are falling in people's homes. Let's bring in Al-Jazeera's Kamal Haider, who's covering the story for us. He's joining us from Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan. What's the latest you're hearing about the fighting, Kamal? Well, there's been a serious escalation on Pakistan's western border with Afghanistan. The first clash took place in the Khurram Agency, where Pakistanis said that they were fired upon, and that Pakistan retaliated the fire. But there is also reports of a heavy clash on the border, which is Chaman-Spinbaldak border. This is what connects to Kandahar in Afghanistan. Very heavy fighting there, and a number of casualties there, too. Both sides, it appears, have been firing at each other for the last several hours. That started last night. We have reports of heavy casualties on both sides, although we cannot confirm the number of casualties now. Chaman-Spinbaldak is a major border crossing. It was open till yesterday to let those Afghans who were being expatriated or being thrown out of Pakistan were crossing, and that border was open. Now that is also closed. Heavy damage there. The only border which is quiet for the moment is the Torkham border, but tensions are indeed running high on the western frontier. Why is this the case? Why is this all happening now? Well, that's a good question. The border has been quiet for the most part. Pakistan says that the Tariq-e-Taliban Pakistan fighters have been attacking security forces in the past few weeks. Pakistan suffered dozens of casualties, including senior officers of the Pakistani military. Pakistan then decided to retaliate against the Afghan positions on the other side. Both sides, of course, accuse each other of starting the new round of firing between each other. But it is also important to note that Pakistan had told the Afghan side that they must stop the infiltration from the border from Afghanistan. Afghanistan, on the other hand, says that this is Pakistan's internal issue. And of course, the tensions have increased also in view of the fact that just recently, the Afghan foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaki, was in India. And Pakistan, of course, has taken a strong note of that. In the past, the Taliban and the Pakistanis have had good relationship. This is indeed a serious escalation. And the fear is that this escalation could lead to something much bigger. Both sides, of course, the population on both sides are wary of this new round of escalation, because there are contiguous tribes on both sides. Civilians caught up in the fighting. And therefore, some leaders here in Pakistan are saying that it is time to de-escalate the crisis. The Pakistanis wanted to send a team to Kabul, but according to the reports that we have received, the Afghan government was not willing to welcome them. So, for the moment, no talks and an escalation in the situation on Pakistan's western frontier with Afghanistan. Indeed. Thank you so much for the update, Kamal Haider, at the Tokam border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Thank you.

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Washington

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Ukraine Invasion

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Beijing

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Breakdown