Clashes were reported near the Torcham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with artillery fire heard from the Afghan side around 9:30 AM local time. There have been observations of Afghan troops moving towards the border as security forces ordered journalists to leave the area. Despite the ongoing clashes, the Torcham passage remains open for Afghans returning from Pakistan, although the land border has been largely shut since October amid regional conflicts.

The surrounding area has been impacted by violence, including the nearby Omario camp which shelters returning refugees. Last night’s clashes forced many residents, including women and children, to flee. Eyewitnesses recount chaotic scenes with families escaping the violence, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis created by the border tensions. One returning Afghan described seeing children and elderly people running amid the conflict, and others have noted that some children went missing during the panic.

As Afghan forces initiated an assault late Thursday against Pakistani troops, the situation signifies an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. The clashes raise concerns about the safety of civilians, especially those trying to return home after recent turmoil. This developing situation requires close monitoring as it poses risks not just locally but also has potential implications for regional security and the humanitarian situation.