US closely watching Afghan-Pakistan tensions at Torkham border

US State Department officials said the US is watching very closely the growing tensions between Afghan and Pakistani forces at Torkham border.

In response to a question regarding the tense situation in Torkham, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said: "We are all watching the tensions very closely, we are in touch with officials on both sides."

"We continue to urge a calm resolution to the tension. We obviously don't want to see clashes; we don't want to see violence; we don't want to see it get worse," Khamaa Press quoted Kirby as saying.

Clashes among the Afghan and Pakistani forces in Torkham erupted late on Sunday night after the Afghan border guards prevented the installation of a gate by Pakistani forces.

The Afghan government criticised Pakistan for taking unilateral steps by working on military installations along the zero point on Durand Line, calling it a move against the bilateral agreement.

Several people have lost their lives during the clashes in the past, including a senior Pakistani army officer who died due to wounds he sustained in the clash.

--IANS

py/vt