Iran’s support for Taliban pays off, but border remains problematic
Exports from Iran to Afghanistan are increasing as border clashes and the smuggling of both people and drugs fosters instability.
ERBIL, Iraq – Some five months after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Iran continues its longstanding strategic support and is benefiting from increased exports to the country.
However, recent border clashes and the killing of fighters from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) by “criminal gangs” have raised concern, as have the thousands of Afghans getting smuggled into Iran daily.
On Dec. 1, Afghan fighters manning the border in the southwestern province of Nimroz reportedly captured at least one border position from Iran only to later retreat. Both sides officially denied casualties despite media reports to the contrary.
There have been several border clashes between Taliban fighters and Pakistani border guards as well in recent weeks. Iran’s southeast borders both Pakistan and Afghanistan and a Pakistani soldier was killed at the Iranian border in late September.
