Kabul’s tense border regions erupted in tragedy as Pakistani airstrikes claimed 13 Afghan lives, including women and children, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The attacks targeted Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, striking civilian areas in a stark violation of humanitarian norms.
Local reports from Khama Press, citing UNAMA, detailed the devastating raids on the night of February 21-22. In Nangarhar’s Behsud and Khogyani districts, bombs rained down on residential zones, leaving seven others wounded. Paktika bore the brunt too, with a school and mosque in Bermal district hit, alongside a house in Orgun.
UNAMA condemned the strikes unequivocally, urging all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The mission demanded a transparent investigation and enhanced security at the sites to prevent further loss.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have simmered for months, exacerbated by cross-border militancy. Afghanistan’s National Security Ministry accused Pakistan’s military of deadly incursions into populated areas, targeting a madrasa and homes, killing and injuring numerous innocents.
Labeling the attacks a blatant breach of sovereignty, international law, neighborly principles, and Islamic values, the ministry vowed a calculated response at the opportune moment. It highlighted the strikes as evidence of Pakistani intelligence failures, insisting such incidents expose internal weaknesses no matter how frequent.
As the dust settles, calls grow louder for de-escalation. The international community watches closely, hoping dialogue prevails over retaliation in this volatile frontier.