Pakistani strikes kill at least 28 civilians in Afghanistan, UN says
Pakistani Air Strikes in Afghanistan Result in Civilian Casualties, UN Reports
Pakistani strikes kill at least 28 civilians - The United Nations mission in Afghanistan confirmed that Pakistan's air strikes and military operations on Sunday caused the deaths of at least 28 civilians, with 49 others injured. The attack targeted areas near the border, including Mandokhail village in Paktia province, where the majority of the casualties were concentrated. The Taliban government, which is currently in power, reported a higher toll, citing 36 civilian deaths and over 160 injuries. This incident has reignited tensions between the neighboring nations, which had previously agreed to a ceasefire in October following months of intense clashes.
Casualty Details and Local Reactions
According to local sources, the strikes hit residential areas, leaving women and children among the victims. Adam Khan, a 63-year-old resident, described the aftermath to AFP news agency, emphasizing the devastation:
"I cannot put into words the condition of the children I saw at the hospital, or the screams of their parents and siblings."
He added that one strike targeted a house where "children, elderly people and women" were sleeping, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's military stated that the operation was focused on eliminating militant hideouts in Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces. Officials emphasized that the strikes were a response to "recent terrorist attacks against innocent people," aiming to disrupt cross-border threats. However, the Taliban condemned the attacks as a "cowardly act" and an "atrocity," accusing Pakistan of targeting civilians in retaliation.
The Ceasefire Agreement and Its Collapse
The ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan, signed last October, was meant to reduce hostilities after weeks of deadly confrontations. Yet, it has since deteriorated, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the terms. The current strikes mark a significant escalation, underscoring the unresolved conflict over border control and security responsibilities.
Officials in both countries noted that the border area has seen repeated clashes in recent months. For instance, in February, a series of skirmishes led to dozens of deaths, and in March, a Pakistani strike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul killed hundreds. Earlier this year, Pakistan launched air strikes that killed 26 militants, though the Taliban claimed 13 civilians, including mostly children, were also among the casualties.
Groups Behind the Attacks
Pakistan's military has linked the strikes to militant groups operating in the region. The suicide attack that preceded the strikes was claimed by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a splinter faction of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Both groups are designated as terrorist organizations by Pakistan and the UN due to their involvement in past attacks. Pakistani officials stressed that their operations are designed to "target militants specifically," while the Taliban argued that the strikes were a deliberate attempt to harm civilians.
The TTP, also known as the Pakistan Taliban, has been accused of orchestrating attacks on Pakistani soil, including the killing of three Sindh Rangers at their headquarters in Karachi. This incident, reported by Pakistan's military, further fueled the government's claim that Afghanistan harbors terror groups responsible for cross-border violence. In turn, Kabul has accused Islamabad of conducting unprovoked attacks that disproportionately target non-combatants.
Historical Context of Border Clashes
The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan is rooted in longstanding disputes over territory, ideology, and security. Over the years, both nations have accused each other of sheltering extremists and allowing attacks to target their citizens. Pakistan has historically argued that Afghanistan's government fails to address militant activity, while the Taliban maintains that Islamabad is the primary threat to regional stability.
This pattern of violence has persisted despite intermittent efforts to broker peace. The March strike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which killed hundreds, highlighted the humanitarian toll of military operations. Similarly, the February clashes demonstrated the volatility of the border region, where attacks often escalate quickly. The latest strikes in Paktia province appear to be part of this recurring cycle, with both sides blaming the other for the bloodshed.
International Response and Verification
While the UN mission has provided casualty figures, the BBC has not independently verified these numbers from either side. This lack of confirmation adds complexity to the situation, as both governments present conflicting narratives about the nature and scale of the attacks. Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, stated that 29 militants were killed in the operation, framing it as a necessary measure to combat terrorism.
Despite the ongoing accusations, the strategic importance of the border region remains a focal point for both nations. Pakistan claims it is defending its territory against groups like Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, which it alleges are based in Afghan provinces. The Taliban, however, views these actions as an aggressive move to destabilize their rule. This divide has kept the conflict simmering, even as global attention shifts to other regions.
Why Are Afghanistan and Pakistan in Conflict?
The dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan is multifaceted, involving political, military, and ideological dimensions. Pakistan has long maintained that Afghanistan's government is complicit in allowing terrorist groups to operate freely, while the Taliban accuses Islamabad of initiating attacks to weaken their control. The border regions, which are often contested, serve as a battleground for these competing claims.
Recent events, such as the Sindh Rangers casualties and the suicide attack, have intensified the debate over the role of each nation in the conflict. Pakistan's military operations are seen as a way to assert dominance over militant networks, while the Taliban argues that these strikes are a calculated effort to undermine their legitimacy. As the two sides continue to exchange accusations, the civilian toll of their clashes remains a critical issue in the region.
The attacks have sparked renewed calls for a ceasefire, but with both governments unwilling to back down, the cycle of violence appears likely to continue. The international community watches closely, as the conflict between the two nations threatens to destabilize the entire South Asian region. For now, the humanitarian impact of these strikes stands as a stark reminder of the costs of prolonged border tensions.