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UN Rapporteur 'Dismayed' by Pakistan Airstrikes in Kabul, Urges De-escalation

The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, expressed dismay over reports of Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan that resulted in significant civilian casualties. Afghan officials report the strikes targeted a major addiction treatment hospital in Kabul, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries. An Afghan interior ministry spokesperson warned of a forceful "teeth-breaking response," calling the attack a major escalation and violation of sovereignty. The incident marks a sharp rise in tensions, with Pakistan claiming it targets militant groups operating from Afghan soil.

Key Points: UN Urges De-escalation After Pakistan Airstrikes in Kabul

  • UN urges de-escalation & restraint
  • Strike hit addiction treatment hospital
  • Afghan official warns of "teeth-breaking response"
  • Tensions sharply escalate over militant claims
2 min read

UN Special Rapporteur 'dismayed' by Pak's strike in Kabul, urges de-escalation

UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett dismayed by reported Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan causing high civilian casualties at a hospital.

"Dismayed by fresh reports of Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan and resulting civilian casualties. - Richard Bennett"

Marc, h 17

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, on Tuesday expressed his distress over reports of Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan and resulting civilian casualties. He urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint and respect international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects like hospitals.

Bennett's statement comes as Afghan officials reported that Pakistani airstrike targeted the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul's Pul-e-Charkhi area, killing at least 400 people and injuring 250 others.

In a post on social media 'X,' Richard Bennett said, "Dismayed by fresh reports of Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan and resulting civilian casualties. My condolences. I urge parties to de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint & respect international law, including the protection of civilians & civilian objects such as hospitals."

Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior spokesperson Abdul Matin Qane on Tuesday warned that the country will give a "teeth-breaking response" to the deadly airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in Kabul.

Qane said recovery efforts were being made on Tuesday as emergency teams were searching for bodies under the rubble, Afghanistan-based Ariana News reported.

He said Afghanistan considers Pakistan's latest strike as major escalation and warned of a response.

He said, "Such attacks cannot go unanswered," reiterating that Afghan authorities consider the incident a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty, Ariana News reported.

The incident marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent weeks due to airstrikes, artillery fire, and accusations from both sides.

Afghan authorities have condemned what they term Pakistan's military operations in Afghanistan, especially in eastern and southeastern provinces.

In recent weeks, Afghan officials have said that strikes and shelling incidents have caused casualties and damage to infrastructure. Meanwhile, Islamabad has claimed it is targeting militant groups that are using Afghan soil for launching attacks in Pakistan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While Pakistan's action is condemnable, we must also acknowledge the complex history of cross-border militancy in that region. Both nations need to sit down and talk. Constant escalation helps no one, especially the common people on both sides who suffer the most.
V
Vikram M
400+ casualties in a hospital? This is horrific. Pakistan often lectures others on human rights, but look at its own actions. The international community must hold them accountable, not just issue statements. Strength to Afghanistan.
S
Sarah B
As an outsider following this, the UN rapporteur's dismay is the bare minimum reaction. This requires immediate, concrete intervention to prevent a wider conflict. The civilian death toll is heartbreaking.
R
Rohit P
The Afghan spokesperson's warning of a "teeth-breaking response" shows how volatile the situation is. This could spiral out of control very quickly. Hope cooler heads prevail, but Pakistan has crossed a red line here.
K
Karthik V
With respect to the UN, their statements often feel too little, too late. Urging "restraint" after such a massive strike seems weak. Where is the actionable plan for de-escalation and justice for the victims?

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