Kabul, August 13 — A spokesman for the Taliban administration in Kabul reported on Tuesday that three Afghan civilians were killed during an exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan border forces at the Torkham border crossing, a crucial point of entry between the two countries. The incident has led to the closure of the border, significantly impacting trade and travel.

Mufti Abdul Matin Kani, spokesman for Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior, stated that the clash occurred on Monday night after Pakistani border forces allegedly fired on a house near the Torkham crossing. The Taliban forces reportedly retaliated, leading to a skirmish between the two sides. Kani accused Pakistani forces of targeting civilians, resulting in the deaths of a woman and two children.

The spokesman further claimed that Afghan forces responded to the attack by destroying two Pakistani border posts. However, there has been no immediate response from Pakistan's military regarding these allegations. A Pakistani security official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that three soldiers from Pakistan's paramilitary forces were injured in the exchange. He added that efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions between the two sides.

The Torkham border, located in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is a significant crossing point between the two nations. The closure of this border has disrupted trade and the movement of people, leaving trucks carrying perishable goods stranded on both sides.

Local Pakistani officials reported that thousands of residents near the Torkham border evacuated to safer areas on Monday as tensions escalated. The reopening of the border remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation continue.