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India Slams Pakistan's Afghan Airstrikes as "Act of Aggression"

India has issued a strong condemnation of recent Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory, calling them an act of aggression that violates Afghanistan's sovereignty. The strikes reportedly hit civilian infrastructure, including airline fuel reserves designated for Hajj flights, and caused multiple civilian casualties. The United Nations mission documented deaths and injuries, noting that civilians are bearing the brunt of escalating cross-border violence. India reiterated its consistent position calling for stability and full respect for Afghanistan's territorial integrity.

Key Points: India Condemns Pakistan Air Strikes on Afghanistan

  • India condemns violation of Afghan sovereignty
  • Strikes caused civilian deaths and infrastructure damage
  • UN reports women and children among casualties
  • Fuel reserves for Hajj flights reportedly hit
  • Cross-border violence escalation continues
3 min read

"Another act of aggression": India condemns Pakistani air strikes on Afghanistan

India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, citing civilian deaths and a violation of sovereignty. UN reports casualties.

"This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. - MEA Statement"

New Delhi, March 14

India on Saturday strongly condemned recent air strikes carried out by Pakistan on Afghan territory, stating that such actions violate Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In response to media queries on the strikes, Official Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stated in a statement that India strongly opposes the use of force that results in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

India has consistently emphasised the importance of respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity while calling for stability and peace in the region.

"India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan's territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected," the statement read.

The development follows the earlier airstrike that Pakistan conducted in Afghanistan, which Kabul said caused civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Officials from Kam Air confirmed to Tolo News that the airline's fuel reserves stored at Kandahar Airport were hit during airstrikes carried out by Pakistan's Air Force (PAF) on Friday.

They added that the fuel stock had been kept for this year's Hajj flights, raising concerns about disruptions to aviation operations.

Afghanistan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also accused Pakistan of striking civilian infrastructure.

In a post on X, Mujahid said the targeted fuel facility supplied domestic airlines and aircraft operated by the United Nations.

He further alleged that Pakistan had previously targeted fuel storage belonging to a trader named Haji Khan Zadah.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the latest strikes have also resulted in more civilian casualties.

"UNAMA documented at least four civilian deaths and 14 injured, including women and children, as a result of airstrikes in Pul-e-Charkhi area in Kabul Afghanistan last night. We continue to call for an immediate cessation in hostilities to prevent further loss of civilian life," the mission said.

It added that civilians were bearing the brunt of the renewed violence.

"Civilians, mostly women and children, continue to pay the price for the latest escalation in cross-border violence. Since 26 February, UNAMA has recorded at least 75 civilians killed and 193 injured in Afghanistan as a result of ongoing armed clashes," the mission said.

According to Tolo News, Pakistan's military had earlier targeted areas in the Alisher-Terezai district of Khost province near the Durand Line using artillery fire.

Four members of a family were killed and three others were injured in the shelling. (ANI),

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The loss of civilian life is always tragic. Women and children paying the price for this conflict is heartbreaking. I hope the international community takes stronger notice. UNAMA's figures are alarming.
V
Vikram M
This is a pattern with Pakistan. They talk about peace but their actions speak otherwise. Striking inside another country's territory shows complete disregard for international law. India's condemnation is timely and necessary.
P
Priyanka N
While I support India's stance, I sometimes wonder if our statements are enough. The common Afghan people are suffering. Beyond condemnation, is there more the global community can do to actually protect civilians? Just a thought.
R
Rahul R
The report says they hit fuel for Hajj flights? This is during the holy month? Unbelievable. This aggression needs to stop. India is right to call it out strongly. Peace in the region is impossible with such actions.
M
Michael C
Reading this from a security perspective. This escalation near the Durand Line is very dangerous. It draws in more actors and creates a humanitarian crisis. India's position advocating for stability is the only sane one here.

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