UN Reports Nearly 66,000 Afghans Displaced Amid Escalating Pakistan Border Conflict
UN Reports Nearly 66,000 Afghans Displaced Amid Escalating Pakistan Border Conflict
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Nearly 66,000 people have been displaced in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan as heavy fighting continues along the country’s border with Pakistan, the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on March 4, 2026.
The clashes mark the worst cross-border violence in years, following a Taliban operation last week targeting Pakistani military positions along the 2,640 km (1,640-mile) Durand Line, which separates the two countries. The Taliban stated the operation was a response to Pakistani air strikes in late February, while Pakistan claims its attacks aim to prevent Afghan territory from being used for militant incursions.
The UN warned that the escalating hostilities are causing civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and increasing humanitarian needs. Afghan authorities reported 110 civilian deaths, including 65 women and children, and 123 injuries, though UNAMA reports 42 fatalities, and Pakistan has not commented on civilian casualties. Both sides report significant military losses, with Afghanistan claiming 150 Pakistani soldiers killed and Pakistan reporting over 430 Afghan troops dead.
The conflict has worsened food insecurity, with the UN World Food Programme suspending aid in over 46 districts, affecting approximately 160,000 people. Thousands of families have fled villages, leaving homes largely abandoned.
The UN warned that continued fighting risks further displacement and exacerbates vulnerabilities in already overstretched communities along the border.
