Afghanistan: Afghan Taliban officials close Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar Province as of Feb. 20

Event

Afghan Taliban officials have closed the Torkham border checkpoint in Nangarhar Province as of Feb. 20. The checkpoint borders Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in northern Pakistan. Reports indicate that Afghan Taliban officials closed the border in response to Islamabad's failure to fulfill unspecified obligations.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security measures, including setting up roadblocks and stationing additional personnel, around the checkpoint. Transport and business disruptions are likely. Businesses that transport goods through the checkpoint may face shipping delays. People affected by the closure may stage protests near the border crossing; clashes are possible.

The affected area is around 69 km (43 miles) east-southeast of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, and about 47 km (29 miles) west-northwest of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Plan for transport disruptions and possible ground shipping delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo. Avoid any protests as a precaution. Do not navigate roadblocks due to the threat of violence.