Long‑standing tribal dispute over pine‑nut forest sparks armed fighting

The fight over a pine‑nut‑rich hill on the border of Khost's Spira district and Paktia's Giyan district has erupted into a fourth day of armed clashes. The Bori Khel tribe of Spira and the Giyan Khel tribe of Giyan have exchanged fire, using both light weapons and heavier artillery.

The hill, surrounded by forest, holds valuable pine‑nut trees that are a critical source of income for local families. Competition for these trees has amplified historic claims of ownership, turning a land dispute into a violent confrontation.

Local residents say the conflict has a generational history, with previous battles claiming the lives of dozens. Shah Meir Khan, a community leader, mentioned that around 80 individuals were killed or injured in earlier incidents, though no external verification exists.

To curb the violence, Taliban forces have been stationed in the area, aiming to separate the combatants and prevent further bloodshed.