OCHA Warns of Threats to Civilian Safety Near Torkham Crossing

DID Press: A child has been killed and a United Nations aid worker injured during clashes near the Torkham border crossing, raising renewed concerns about the safety of civilians and humanitarian personnel in the area.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the child was killed and the aid worker wounded during fighting near the crossing.

According to OCHA, the injured staff member was affected by the clashes while providing assistance to families returning to Afghanistan from Pakistan.

The UN agency warned of the risks posed by continued insecurity and stressed that civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.

OCHA added that the United Nations would continue its humanitarian operations in the area despite the worrying security situation, working to address the needs of returning families.

According to OCHA figures, more than 600,000 people returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing between January and early October this year.

This represents 85 percent of all people who returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan during the same period.