The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) expressed deep concern over escalating violence along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. “We are greatly concerned by reports of armed clashes between Pakistan and Afghan authorities in multiple provinces, and airstrikes in Kabul and other areas,” the group said.
The NRC said Omari camp, a temporary transit site for Afghan returnees from Pakistan at Torkham, had been affected. “Civilians have been injured, and families living near border areas are at risk of displacement,” the statement added.
The organization called on all parties to protect civilians and prevent further harm. “Civilians must never be a target,” it said.
Heavy fighting erupted at the Torkham border crossing on Friday, with a returnees’ camp in Nangarhar province coming under shelling, wounding at least seven people, including a woman, officials said.
Quraishi Badloon, a Taliban Information and Culture Department official in Nangarhar, said Pakistani troops fired on the camp. The injured woman remains in critical condition, and the camp is being evacuated.
In Kunar province, dozens of families in the Dukalam area of Nari district fled their homes after clashes began around 8 p.m., witnesses said. Both sides reportedly used heavy weapons, and fighting continued late into the night.
Earlier, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Taliban forces had captured 19 Pakistani posts across several eastern provinces, killing up to 55 Pakistani soldiers.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister has declared an “open war” with Afghanistan, saying Islamabad’s patience has run out after recent clashes and strikes.
Earlier this week Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, including Nangarhar province, were reported to have caused civilian casualties, including women and children. 18 Civilians, Including 11 Children, Killed in Pakistani Airstrike on Home in Nangarhar Province only.
