Pakistani Airstrikes Kill 13 Afghan Civilians, UN Mission Verifies

As per UNAMA, Pakistani forces carried out aerial strikes in the Behsud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar Province. Initial findings suggest that at least 13 civilians lost their lives and seven others were wounded. The mission stated that women and children were among the deceased, TBP reported.

The UN body also documented further airstrikes in the Barmal and Urgun districts of Paktika Province. The first attack occurred around 11:15 pm on February 21 in the Murghai area of Barmal district, where a madrassa structure and a nearby mosque sustained damage. Approximately 15 minutes later, a second strike hit the Dhana area of Urgun district, targeting an unoccupied private residence that was partially destroyed. No casualties were reported in these two incidents.

UNAMA expressed continued concern over the impact on civilians and cautioned that the casualty toll might rise as additional details become available.

Officials from the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan alleged that an airstrike in the Gardi Kach area of Behsud district struck the home of a man identified as Shahabuddin, killing between 20 and 23 members of one family, including 11 children as well as several women and men. These reported figures have not been independently confirmed, TBP highlighted.

Afghan authorities further stated that five injured individuals were transported to a local hospital in Nangarhar for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) released a statement denouncing the strikes, asserting that Pakistan targeted populated areas in Afghanistan during the night of February 21-22, resulting in civilian deaths, including children. The group extended condolences to the affected families and affirmed its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and right to self-defence. In its statement, the BNM described the air raids as a breach of Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. It also claimed that civilians had been intentionally targeted and argued that the incidents contradicted Pakistan's official narrative regarding the purpose of the strikes, as cited in the TBP report.

The BNM additionally contended that regional instability is rooted in what it characterised as Pakistan's long-standing policies and actions in neighbouring areas. The organisation called for greater unity among regional nations in response to what it described as escalating tensions, according to TBP.

- ANI