UN agencies report thousands of families displaced amid Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes

The World Food Programme (WFP) stated that nearly 20,000 families have been displaced in eastern, southeastern, and southern Afghanistan due to intensified clashes along the borders with Pakistan since February 26, 2026. WFP representative John Ayliffe said over 30 districts in Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar, Laghman, Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Kandahar, and Helmand provinces have been affected by airstrikes and ground attacks, leading to the temporary suspension of emergency aid, social support, school feeding, and livelihood programs impacting 160,000 people.

UNAMA called for an immediate halt to fighting between Afghan security forces and Pakistan, warning of worsening humanitarian conditions. It reported at least 146 civilians killed or injured from February 26 to March 2, including 42 killed and 104 wounded, many women and children, due to cross-border clashes along the Durand Line and airstrikes in Paktika and Nangarhar. OCHA noted around 16,400 families displaced in five provinces, with aid delivery disrupted.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed preliminary figures of 34 civilians killed and 89 injured in Pakistani attacks from February 26 to March 1, stating documentation continues. Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) officials claimed 110 civilians killed and 130 injured in Pakistani strikes, mostly women and children, and reported over 100 Pakistani forces killed in retaliatory operations. IEA Defense Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarzmi said 25 clashes occurred in the past 24 hours, with four Pakistani soldiers killed and 13 posts destroyed.

Khaama Press reported Pakistani claims of 415 Taliban and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan members killed. Fighting has entered its fifth day, with mutual accusations of airstrikes in Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Kunar, and Nangarhar. Public rallies in Uruzgan supported IEA border forces. IEA spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid criticized the UN Security Council for not addressing the aggression. WFP highlighted ongoing hunger crises, with 17.4 million Afghans needing aid and funding shortages looming.