Pakistani troops on high alert at Afghan border as clashes halt trade

Pakistani troops were on high alert at the country's border with Afghanistan on Oct 13, after fierce fighting at the weekend between the two sides left dozens dead and drew the attention of US President Donald Trump, who said he could help end the conflict.

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Border trade between the neighbours came to a halt as Pakistan closed crossings along the 2,600km frontier, leaving scores of loaded goods vehicles stranded on either side, said a Pakistani industry representative.

Dozens of fighters were killed in border clashes that began on the night of Oct 11, in the most deadly conflict between the neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.

Tensions between the two former allies broke out after Islamabad demanded that the Taliban take action against militants who have stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operate from havens in Afghanistan.

The Taliban denies that Pakistani militants are present on its soil.

"All entry points are closed since Saturday following unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban forces," a senior Pakistani security official told Reuters.