KABUL, March 3, (V7N) – Tensions at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have escalated as fierce clashes between Afghan and Pakistani troops continue, with explosions and gunfire reported in multiple locations. The ongoing fighting has caused significant civilian casualties, further aggravating the volatile situation between the two nations.

Explosions and Gunfire in Kabul and Border Regions. AFP journalists in Kabul reported hearing multiple explosions and gunfire early Tuesday, as Afghan forces continued their battles against Pakistani troops. The Afghan Defence Ministry confirmed that fighting is still ongoing, particularly in areas close to the Pakistani border. Residents in Jalalabad, located between Kabul and the border, also reported hearing explosions and weapon fire.

The violence has continued for several days, originating from clashes that began Thursday after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes. The conflict has since spread to multiple provinces along the border, including Kandahar and Zabul in southern Afghanistan.

Civilian Casualties Mount. The toll from the ongoing violence continues to rise, with at least 39 civilian deaths reported by the Afghan government since the fighting began. The latest casualties include three children killed in Kunar province on Monday, described by Afghan authorities as a "crime committed by the Pakistani military regime."

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) expressed concern over the child casualties, calling for "maximum restraint" from all sides and an emphasis on protecting civilian lives.

Background of the Conflict The fighting erupted following a series of Pakistani airstrikes in February, which Islamabad claims were aimed at militants operating near the border. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan's Taliban government of failing to address the presence of these militants, whose attacks on Pakistani soil have been a longstanding point of contention. The Afghan government has rejected these accusations.

The Worst Fighting Since October The current violence is the worst since the deadly October clashes, which claimed the lives of more than 70 people on both sides. Following that incident, the land border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has remained largely closed, exacerbating tensions and hindering the movement of goods and people across the frontier.

As the fighting continues, the international community remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences and the potential for further escalation. Both countries are under increasing pressure to de-escalate the conflict and find a peaceful resolution to their border dispute.

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