Afghan, Pakistani forces clash near disputed border

The fighting broke out on Sunday and is still underway. The acting provincial police chief was not immediately able to confirm reports of casualties.

world Updated: Apr 15, 2018 14:17 IST
(File photo for representation)

An Afghan official said Pakistani forces have crossed into eastern Afghanistan and clashed with Afghan troops.

Col Abdul Hanan, the acting provincial police chief in the eastern Khost province, said the fighting broke out on Sunday and is still underway. He was not immediately able to confirm reports of casualties.

The two countries are separated by the 2,400-kilometer (1,500-mile) Durand Line, which was drawn by British rulers in 1896.

Kabul does not recognise it as an international border and has objected to new fortifications being built by Pakistan.

The two US allies routinely accuse each other of failing to crack down on militants who operate along the porous border.