Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan kill at least 10 civilians
Pakistani airstrikes on two Afghan provinces overnight killed at least 10 civilians, Afghanistan and the United Nations said Thursday, with the cross-border conflict between the two countries showing no signs of abating, reports BritPanorama.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information stated the strikes targeted militant hideouts in Helmand and Kunar provinces, claiming that initial reports indicated 22 militants were killed. However, the ministry did not address the civilian casualties, and verification of the militants killed remains pending, as independent sources have yet to confirm these figures.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed the deaths of at least 10 civilians, including many children, and reported that nine individuals were injured in the airstrikes. These events occur against a backdrop of escalating cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Pakistan conducting air operations in Afghanistan following the deterioration of relations earlier in the year.
“Civilians continue to be affected by cross-border hostilities. UNAMA reiterates its call for de-escalation, dialogue, respect for international law and prevention of further civilian harm,” the U.N. mission stated.
Last week, UNAMA disclosed that over 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries attributed to cross-border violence had been documented in Afghanistan this year. Pakistan maintains it targets only militants, claiming Afghanistan shelters these groups, while Kabul denies these accusations.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, condemned the airstrikes, labeling them an act of aggression and a violation of universally accepted principles. A local villager from Kunar province described hearing a woman pleading for help from under rubble. Eyewitness accounts revealed the deaths of innocent individuals unrelated to militant activities.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information responded to the criticism by asserting the airstrikes were “well planned and calibrated” to eliminate terrorist camps, claiming no collateral damage would occur. It added that significant stockpiles of weapons and ammunition were destroyed during the operations.
Pakistan’s government asserts a need to combat the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it alleges operates from Afghan soil to conduct attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul, however, maintains it does not offer a safe haven for these militants, complicating already tense relations.
“The threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan,” the ministry insisted, affirming its aim to eradicate militant threats through continuous military actions.
As tensions persist and civilian populations endure the consequences of this cross-border conflict, the situation remains complex, and the potential for further escalation is ever-present.
