Nearly 66,000 people have been displaced in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan following intensified clashes along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The report said the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, warned that the escalation of cross-border fighting between the two countries could have serious humanitarian consequences for civilians and displaced populations. The organization stated that military clashes along the Durand Line have resulted in civilian casualties, damage to critical infrastructure, and the displacement of thousands of families. It warned that the continuation of the situation could trigger further displacement and increase pressure on communities already facing shortages of basic services. Meanwhile, the Taliban government said recent border operations were launched in response to deadly Pakistani airstrikes in late February. Pakistani officials stated that the strikes were aimed at preventing armed militants from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Al Jazeera added that both sides have presented conflicting casualty figures and battlefield progress reports, and independent verification of the claims has not been possible.
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