News|ConflictNearly 66,000 Afghans displaced amid fierce fighting on Pakistan border: UNUnited Nations migration agency warns that escalating violence on Afghanistan-Pakistan border risks further displacement.

The United Nations reports that approximately 66,000 individuals have been displaced in Afghanistan due to intensified military confrontations along the border with Pakistan. The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a warning regarding the increasing humanitarian impact of these cross-border hostilities on civilians and those in transit.

The IOM highlighted that the ongoing military activities along the Durand Line have resulted in civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and significant displacement in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan. These developments could lead to further displacement and exacerbate vulnerabilities in already overstretched communities.

The current conflict marks a severe escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, following the launch of an operation by Afghanistan's Taliban authorities against the Pakistani military. This operation was reportedly in response to Pakistani airstrikes conducted in late February. Pakistani officials have stated that these strikes aim to prevent the use of Afghan territory for attacks on Pakistan amid heightened tensions.

Rana Sanaullah, a political adviser to the Pakistani Prime Minister, has indicated that most of Pakistan's operational targets have been achieved, but ongoing efforts aim to ensure Afghan soil is not used for further attacks.

Both countries have reported heavy fire exchanges, with claims of significant casualties. Afghanistan's Defence Ministry reported that Taliban forces had shot down a Pakistani drone and captured several border posts. The ministry also stated that 110 civilians, including women and children, have been killed, and 123 injured since the conflict began. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has reported 42 civilian deaths. Pakistan has not commented on Afghan civilian casualties but estimates that over 430 Afghan soldiers have died.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has cautioned that prior to the conflict, over 46 districts in Afghanistan were already experiencing severe food insecurity. The WFP has temporarily suspended several activities, impacting approximately 160,000 people who rely on emergency food distributions.

In Kunar province, local residents report that violence has severely disrupted access to markets, causing significant displacement within communities.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.