Milak border between Afghanistan and Iran in Nimroz province of Afghanistan has been closed for refugees and traders since the past 20 days, said local sources. The border had been closed after Taliban’s clash with Iranian border guards on June 28.
Local residents said that a group of refugees are waiting for the reopening of the border. Bahram Haqmal, Taliban’s spokesperson in Nimroz province, confirmed the closure of the border by the Taliban. The Taliban claim that Iran has not upheld their promises to this group.
However, local people said that Iran had closed the border after Taliban killed one of their border guards.
Local sources from Nimroz province had told Afghanistan International 20 days ago that Mohammad Sayaad, an Iranian border guard was shot dead by Taliban fighters in the border area of Milak on Tuesday, June 28. Iran’s Foreign Ministry had then confirmed the death of its border guard a day later. They had said that responsible organizations were investigating the incident and they will announce the updates about the case as soon as the matter is clarified.
Nasser Kanaani, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, said that they expect the Taliban to take firm action in clarifying the matter, punishment of predators, and prevent such incidents.
However, Taliban officials in Nimroz province then accused the Iranian border guards of shooting towards the Afghanistan side and killing a child and injuring other Afghan citizens.
Taliban fighters have been involved in a clash with Iranian border guards earlier too. Previously, Taliban and Iranian border guards had been involved in a clash in Nimroz province, but later both sides announced that it was due to a misunderstanding and emphasized on preventing such incidents.
