Pakistan’s air force conducted strikes on Monday against sites it said were used by militants near the eastern border of Afghanistan. Pakistani officials reported that the operation killed 28 militants, describing the attacks as “calibrated” and intelligence‑driven.
UN confirms civilian toll
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) posted on X that its monitors verified the deaths of at least three civilians – a man, a woman and a girl – and four injuries in the early‑morning strikes in Kunar province. UNAMA has documented more than 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries from cross‑border violence in Afghanistan this year.
Afghan government response
Afghanistan’s spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, condemned the airstrikes as an act of aggression and said the Islamic Emirate would respond, adding, “God willing, the Afghans will give a fitting response.” The Afghan Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul and lodged a formal protest, calling the attacks a clear violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
Background to the escalation
The strikes follow a series of militant attacks on Pakistani security forces near the border, including a recent shootout in Hangu that killed six Pakistani personnel. Pakistan’s Information Ministry warned it could target militants inside Afghanistan if attacks on its forces continue, accusing groups based in Afghanistan of sheltering the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan, TTP).
Afghanistan’s government denied providing sanctuary to the TTP and rejected Pakistani allegations that Afghan soil is used for planning attacks against Pakistan.
Local impact
According to Afghan deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, the strikes occurred around 3 a.m. in the Nurgal district of Kunar province and the Barmal district of Paktika province. Preliminary reports indicate that a local resident’s home was hit, killing three family members and wounding four relatives. In the Rakhah and Tor Kundi areas of Barmal, a shop and an unoccupied house were destroyed, though no casualties were reported there.
International concerns
Both nations’ officials warned that the escalation could complicate regional mediation efforts, including those led by China. UNAMA reiterated its call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law to prevent further civilian casualties.
While Pakistan emphasizes its right and capability to eliminate terrorist threats wherever they arise, Afghanistan stresses its sovereignty and urges Kabul to take verifiable steps to dismantle any militant sanctuaries on its soil.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
