A leading international human rights organization has expressed serious concerns over recent Pakistani military airstrikes in Afghanistan’s provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar. The airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 36 civilians and injuries to 163 others, along with the destruction of three residential houses. The International Human Rights Foundation highlighted potential violations of International Humanitarian Law, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and humanitarian responders.
The organization called on the Pakistani government to clarify the circumstances and legal basis of the military operations. It also urged transparent investigations into alleged civilian casualties and emphasized the need for unhindered humanitarian access to affected communities. Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai strongly criticized the airstrikes, emphasizing the importance of respecting national sovereignty and international norms.
In response to the attacks, the Taliban spokesperson condemned the airstrikes as a “cowardly act of aggression.” The spokesperson denounced the civilian casualties caused by the airstrikes in various Afghan provinces, emphasizing the brutality of such actions. The Taliban called for an end to such aggression and highlighted the impact on innocent civilians, including women and children.
