57 Afghans killed, 342 injured in Pakistani attacks from April-June: UNAMA
Kabul, July 28
As many as 57 people have been killed and 342 others injured in cross-border armed violence in Afghanistan between April 1 to June 30, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said on Tuesday.
In a report, the UNAMA said airstrikes and ground engagements were the primary causes of civilian harm. It attributed all cross-border civilian casualties recorded during this period to Pakistani security forces.
According to the UNAMA's update on civilian casualties in Afghanistan from April-June, the casualties included 112 children (26 killed and 86 injured) and 40 women (six killed and 34 injured).
In the statement, the UN agency stated, "The largest number of civilian casualties were caused by airstrikes carried out by Pakistani security forces in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces on June 28, followed by shelling in Kunar province between April 27 to 29 April."
Tensions have escalated between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the past few months, with repeated exchanges of fire and growing concerns over civilian casualties.
On July 15, US-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for an impartial investigation into possible war crimes following Pakistan's recent strikes in Afghanistan, expressing grave concern over civilian casualties.
The rights body noted that although civilian casualties alone are not conclusive evidence of "laws-of-war violations", such reports of civilian deaths heightened the urgent need for independent probes of "possible war crimes by either attacking or defending forces."
"International humanitarian law requires warring parties to take all feasible precautions to minimise civilian harm. Attacking forces must at all times distinguish between civilians and civilian objects on the one hand, and combatants and military objectives on the other, and only target the latter," the HRW stated.
"Defending forces must, to the extent feasible, protect civilians under their control from the effects of attack, including by avoiding locating military objectives near densely populated areas. However, violations by one side do not relieve the other of its own obligations," it added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The UNAMA report clearly points fingers at Pakistani security forces. But how many times have we seen such reports ignored? The international community must step in and hold Pakistan accountable for these strikes. Afghan civilians deserve justice.
Yaar, itna innocent bloodshed. 😢 The Afghan people have already suffered so much over decades of conflict. Pakistan should understand that shelling and airstrikes only create more enemies. There are no winners in war, only victims.
It's alarming that over 100 children were among the casualties. This is a violation of international humanitarian law. The HRW call for an independent investigation is necessary. Both sides need to be held accountable, but Pakistan's deliberate strikes are concerning.
This is really heartbreaking. As a woman, reading about 40 women killed or injured hits hard. Afghan women have been through so much. Why can't the world stop this madness? 😞
The thing is, even if Pakistan has genuine security concerns, targeting civilians is never justified. The UN needs to intervene strongly here. India has always advocated for peace, but look at the state of affairs. So unnecessary.
Honestly, both countries have a history of accusations.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.