Several world leaders and the global community have denounced the Pakistani military airstrikes in Afghanistan’s provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar, which resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. The airstrikes on June 28 led to the death of 36 civilians and injuries to 163 others, along with the destruction of three residential houses, as confirmed by Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging an immediate halt to hostilities and the safeguarding of civilians. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that numerous civilians, including women and children, were killed and injured during the Pakistani airstrikes in the three Afghan provinces.
The European Union (EU) called for de-escalation and restraint following the attacks, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, voiced worries about civilian casualties, particularly women and children, during the Pakistani airstrikes, urging for civilian protection and accountability.
The United Kingdom’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, condemned the ongoing violence in Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing the need to combat terrorism and adhere to international humanitarian law. The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a strong protest against Pakistan for violating Afghanistan’s airspace and bombing civilian homes in Kunar, Paktia, and Paktika provinces.
