A violent exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan Taliban forces at the Torkham border crossing on Sunday night resulted in one death and at least eight injuries, including six Pakistani troops.
The intense fighting, which began around midnight and lasted until approximately 11 am, forced hundreds of civilians to flee their homes in the Bacha Maina residential area, seeking refuge in nearby railway tunnels and safer locations in Landi Kotal.
Both sides reportedly used light weapons initially, escalating to heavy weaponry including artillery fire, resulting in damage to several buildings.
Residents described scenes of chaos and panic as they scrambled to escape the crossfire. According residents of Bacha Maina, many were unable to even eat their sehri due to the emergency.
Another resident, reported vehicle collisions amidst the frantic escape, and confirmed that several houses sustained minor damage from bullets and mortar shrapnel. He also stated that two residents suffered minor injuries from shrapnel, and a taxi driver died of a heart attack while fleeing the area.
A spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Interior said that two Afghan soldiers have been killed in the clash and two wounded.
The situation remains tense, with troops from both countries maintaining their positions. Tribal elders from Khyber have offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to find a lasting solution to the ongoing border disputes.
The Torkham border has been closed since Friday night after Afghan authorities tried to build a checkpost in the zero point of the border. When Pakistani forces stopped the construction, Afghan forces took up positions, leading the former to close the border.