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13 Killed, Kids Among Dead in Pakistani Airstrikes on Afghanistan

Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces killed at least 13 civilians, including women and children, according to the United Nations. The attacks, which occurred overnight, struck a school, a mosque, and residential homes. UNAMA condemned the strikes and called for an immediate halt to hostilities and a transparent investigation. Afghanistan's defence ministry condemned the violation of its sovereignty and warned of an appropriate response.

Key Points: Pakistani Airstrikes Kill 13 in Afghanistan, UNAMA Reports

  • 13 killed including women & children
  • School and mosque hit in strikes
  • UNAMA condemns, demands investigation
  • Afghan ministry warns of "measured response"
2 min read

Kids among 13 killed in Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan: UNAMA

UN mission condemns Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan that killed 13, including women and children, hitting a school and mosque.

"Attacks against civilian populations and religious institutions stand as undeniable evidence of the intelligence and security failures of the Pakistani military - Afghan Ministry of National Defence"

Kabul, Feb 24

At least 13 people, including women and children, were killed in Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said, local media reported on Tuesday.

UNAMA stated that 13 people were killed and seven others were injured in Pakistan's airstrikes in Bahsud and Khogiani districts of Nangarhar on February 21-22 from 11:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported.

A school and a mosque were hit in two attacks targeting Paktita's Barmal district, while a house was destroyed in Orgun district of Paktita.

UNAMA condemned Pakistan's airstrikes and urged all parties to immediately stop hostilities and follow international humanitarian law so that civilians are not harmed. It demanded transparent investigations and accountability and emphasised the need for protective measures for people in conflict-hit regions.

Tensions have increased between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent months. UNAMA has repeatedly stressed the need to protect people amid increasing airstrikes.

On February 22, Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence accused the Pakistani military regime of carrying out deadly airstrikes in various residential areas of the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, resulting in the death of several civilians.

According to the Ministry, the strikes targeted a madrasa and multiple residential homes, killing and injuring "dozens of civilians", including women and children.

The violation of Afghan airspace comes amid what Kabul describes as repeated acts of Pakistani aggression.

Condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, the Afghan Ministry called it a blatant violation of Afghanistan's national sovereignty and a clear breach of "international law, the principles of good neighbourliness, and Islamic values".

Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence affirmed that safeguarding the country's sovereignty and the security of its people are both its "religious obligations and national duties", while warning that "an appropriate and measured response will be taken at a suitable time".

"Attacks against civilian populations and religious institutions stand as undeniable evidence of the intelligence and security failures of the Pakistani military, and such repeated acts of aggression will never be able to conceal their internal shortcomings," the Ministry said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a mother, reading about kids being killed in airstrikes is just devastating. A school and a mosque? This is unacceptable anywhere in the world. The UN must ensure a transparent investigation and real consequences.
V
Vikram M
A very tragic situation. While Pakistan often points fingers at others for cross-border issues, its own actions here are indefensible. Targeting a madrasa and homes shows a complete disregard for human life. The region needs peace, not more escalation.
P
Priyanka N
This is so sad. We in India know the pain of cross-border violence all too well. Civilians, especially children, should never be targets. I hope the international community doesn't just issue statements but takes concrete action.
R
Robert G
A respectful criticism: While Pakistan's actions are condemnable, we must also acknowledge that the situation is complex with militant groups operating in border regions. However, nothing justifies the loss of innocent life. A diplomatic solution is urgently needed.
N
Nisha Z
Ya Allah, give strength to the families. This violence has to stop. When will our leaders learn? Pakistan talks about Islamic values but bombs a mosque. The hypocrisy is shocking.

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