Kabul, August 3: Armed clashes between two tribes over land ownership in a mountainous region along the border of Khost and Paktia provinces in southeastern Afghanistan continued for a fourth day on Monday.
According to Khaama Press, a leading news agency in Afghanistan, the conflict began between the Bori Khail tribe from the Spira district of Khost province and the Giyan Khail tribe from the Giyan district of Paktika province.
Local reports indicate that both sides have employed light and heavy weaponry during the clashes, raising concerns about the escalation of a long-standing land dispute.
Residents state that the contested mountain lies between the Spira and Giyan districts and is surrounded by forests that include valuable pine nut trees. Locals believe that these resources have intensified disagreements over land ownership, usage, and control. This dispute has historically led to armed confrontations over several decades.
Shah Mir Khan, a resident of Spira district, noted that previous skirmishes over this mountain have resulted in significant loss of life and property. He claims that around 80 individuals have been killed or injured in past conflicts related to this dispute, although this figure has not been independently verified.
Radio Horyat, a media outlet believed to be close to the Taliban, reported that the clashes have now reached their fourth day. They released a video allegedly showing an individual firing mortars at the opposing side, but the authenticity of this video has not been independently confirmed.
To prevent further escalation and separate the two sides, Taliban forces have been deployed to the area, according to Radio Horyat.
The roots of the dispute lie in the historical claims of ownership by both communities. Locals assert that tensions over this area have persisted for generations, often linked to access to natural resources, grazing land, and forests.
Radio Horyat claims that this extensive dispute has been ongoing for nearly 80 years, during which over 250 individuals from both sides have lost their lives.
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