The Pakistani military conducted airstrikes in civilian areas of Afghanistan’s Paktika and Kunar provinces, resulting in casualties among civilians, including women and children, as stated by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. The attacks occurred in the Gayan and Tsamkani districts of Paktia and the Manogai district of Kunar on Sunday night. Mujahid denounced the actions as a “cowardly act of aggression” by Pakistani forces.
Expressing strong condemnation, former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad criticized Pakistan for resorting to military actions instead of pursuing negotiations, leading to the deaths and injuries of numerous civilians. Khalilzad highlighted Pakistan’s repeated disregard for calls, both international and domestic, to engage in peaceful talks with Afghanistan. He questioned Islamabad’s true intentions in seeking a settlement and raised concerns over potential ulterior motives behind the ongoing conflict.
The recent airstrikes further exacerbate tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, escalating the situation that has seen a series of hostilities and a rise in civilian casualties. The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires in Kabul to protest the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and airstrikes on residential areas that resulted in civilian deaths. Taliban reports confirmed casualties, including children and women, in provinces such as Kunar, Khost, and Paktika, emphasizing the toll on innocent lives due to the military actions.
