In a tragic incident near the Iran-Afghan border, two Iranian border guards and one Taliban fighter lost their lives as gunfire erupted near a border post. Several individuals were also injured during the clash, which occurred amidst rising tensions between the two nations over water rights.
The exact cause of the incident remains unclear at this time. Iran has accused the Taliban, who currently govern Afghanistan, of violating a 1973 treaty by restricting the flow of water from the Helmand River to Iran's arid eastern regions. The Taliban, however, denies these accusations.
Abdul Nafi Takor, spokesperson for the Taliban's interior ministry, issued a statement saying, "Today, in Nimroz province, Iranian border forces fired toward Afghanistan, which was met with a counter-reaction." Takor emphasized that the situation is now under control and stated that the Islamic Emirate does not desire conflict with neighboring countries.
The spokesperson did not disclose the identities of the victims but confirmed one casualty on each side and several injuries. However, Iran's official IRNA news agency later reported that two Iranian border guards were killed, and two Iranian civilians sustained injuries.
Following the clash, Iranian authorities decided to temporarily close the Milak-Zaranj border post, a significant commercial crossing point, while the situation is being assessed. It is important to note that the closure is unrelated to the incident itself.
Qasem Rezaei, Iran's deputy police chief, commented, "Without observing international laws and good neighborliness, Taliban forces started shooting at the Sasoli checkpoint... drawing a decisive response," according to IRNA.
Iran's border guards released a statement affirming that they had used substantial firepower to inflict casualties and significant damage, without providing further details.
Enayatullah Khowarazmi, spokesperson for the Taliban's defense ministry, acknowledged the shooting and subsequent conflict, stating, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers dialogue and negotiation to be a reasonable way for any problem. Making excuses for war and negative actions is not in the interest of any of the parties involved."
Earlier in May, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had issued a warning to the Taliban regarding Iran's water rights under the 1973 treaty. The Taliban responded by dismissing Raisi's perceived threat, with a former Taliban official mocking him in a viral video.
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