US expresses concern over Pak-Afghan border clashes
- By Web Desk -
- Jun 16, 2016
Speaking to media representatives at a usual US State Department’s briefing, Spokesman John Kirby said the United States was concerned over the recent clashes at the Torkham crossing point between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The spokesman was also worried about the presence of heavy weapons at the border.
“We continue to encourage the governments of both Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their disagreements at the crossing point and to de-escalate tensions,” the spokesman said, adding that good relations between the two countries were “key to the stability of the region”.
Must Read: Pak, Afghan forces agree on truce at Torkham border
Border security officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan have just agreed to a ceasefire after four days of clashes at the Torkham border.
Firing between Pakistani and Afghan forces broke out on June 12 at the crossing, about 45 km (28 miles) west of Peshawar at a time when Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Olson was also in the region.
Official sources have confirmed that the firing was aimed at disrupting the construction of a gate inside Pakistani territory at the border to facilitate cross-border movement of people and vehicles.
Pakistani army officer, Major Jawad Ali Changezi died after being shot by Afghan forces while several others security personnel have been injured on both the sides.
Pakistan has already lodged a strong protest with the Afghan government over unprovoked firing by the Afghan forces.
Torkham is the most frequented crossing point at Pak-Afghan border and recently even most of the terrorists had been found using it for their entry into Pakistan, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).