Richard Bennett, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, urged for immediate, impartial investigations following reports of seven deaths and 75 injuries in Pakistani strikes on Kunar province. He emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and holding accountable those responsible for the attacks. UNAMA documented numerous civilian casualties in Asadabad, including at a university, stressing the need to safeguard civilians and educational institutions under international law. The death toll from the strikes in Kunar province, which hit Asadabad and Sarkano district, is rising as more victims are identified, with many injured individuals, including women and children, receiving treatment at the government hospital in Asadabad.
Reports revealed that Pakistani strikes targeted various locations in Kunar province, causing casualties and damage, particularly at Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University. The attacks led to injuries among students and staff, prompting residents to flee amid fears of further aerial assaults. Bennett had previously expressed concern over civilian casualties resulting from Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, amidst escalating tensions between the two nations marked by exchanges of fire and accusations of destabilization. The Afghan ministry condemned the recent strike as an assault on education and Afghanistan’s core values, urging international bodies to speak out against such actions.
