AFP journalists near the key Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan heard gunfire and shelling on Friday, as the neighbors engaged in deadly fighting. Incoming shelling was heard from the Afghan side of the border from around 9:30am (0500 GMT), before cross-border clashes resumed, while gunfire was heard in the distance. The Torkham crossing has remained open for Afghans returning en masse from Pakistan, despite the land border being largely shut since fighting between the neighbors in October. The Omari camp that accommodates returnees near the crossing was hit by the fighting overnight, prompting people to flee. Afghan forces launched a border offensive against Pakistani troops late Thursday, in what the Taliban authorities said was retaliation for deadly Pakistani air strikes days earlier.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 27, 2026 10:28 UTC