Clashes In Torkham: Taliban Shelling Destroys Mosque In Pakistan

Intense clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces at the Torkham border have resulted in the destruction of a mosque on Pakistani soil, reportedly due to Taliban shelling.

According to local sources, mortars fired by Taliban forces damaged the mosque’s walls and interior, leaving it in ruins. The mosque was reportedly struck on Monday night, following Taliban gunfire directed towards Pakistan.

Images obtained by Afghanistan International show that the mosque’s walls and interior courtyard have been completely destroyed.

Ongoing Clashes and Casualties

The clashes between Taliban border forces and Pakistani troops began on Sunday night, 2 March, continuing until 11:00 AM on Monday. After a brief pause, the fighting resumed later that night.

Reports indicate that both sides have deployed light and heavy weaponry during the confrontation. The Taliban’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that during the clashes, one Taliban fighter was killed, and two others were injured. However, independent sources suggest the Taliban suffered at least three fatalities.

Tensions Over the Torkham Border Crossing

Torkham, one of the two main trade crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been closed for over a week due to a dispute over the Taliban’s construction of a new checkpoint.

Tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan have escalated in recent months over border control, security concerns, and trade restrictions, leading to repeated clashes at key border points.