In brief
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that Pakistani forces targeted militant hideouts in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces, resulting in at least 28 civilian deaths and 49 injuries. Women, children and the elderly were among the victims. The Taliban government has condemned the attacks as a “cowardly act” and an “atrocity,” while Pakistan maintains that only militants were targeted. The strikes occur after earlier clashes and raise concerns about the durability of the ceasefire that began last October.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that Pakistani forces launched air strikes and ground attacks on Afghan border villages, killing at least 28 civilians and injuring 49 more.
The Taliban government labelled the attack a “cowardly act” and an “atrocity,” citing injuries and deaths of civilians, including women and children.
Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar defended the operation, claiming 29 militants were killed in response to recent terrorist attacks against civilians, while also highlighting that Pakistan only targets militants.
The ceasefire signed last October to curb cross‑border clashes has been weakened after a series of incidents, including a bustling air assault in Paktia province that killed 26 militants, reportedly leaving 13 civilians dead, mostly children.
Ambassadorial tensions have flared as the Afghan government accuses Pakistan of unprovoked attacks, while Pakistan maintains its strikes were targeted against terrorist threats.
The UN and Pakistan’s military have yet to independently verify the casualty figures from both sides.
This latest incident follows the killing of three Pakistan Rangers officers and turmoil in Karachi, raising concerns about the already fragile security situation along the Afghan‑Pakistan border.
