Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Helmand and Kunar provinces killed at least 10 civilians, mostly children, and wounded nine, the United Nations mission in Afghanistan said Thursday, as cross-border tensions continued.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information said the strikes targeted militant hideouts at two locations and initial reports indicated 22 militants were killed, though the claim could not be independently verified. It did not immediately comment on civilian casualties.
Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes destroyed three civilian homes and condemned them as aggression and a violation of international principles.
Kunar resident Mohammad Hashim, 30, said the strike occurred around 3am and that he helped rescue an injured woman from rubble, where he also found the bodies of two men and four children. Resident Mohammad Habib, 32, said a killed shepherd had no links to militant or government groups.
Pakistan said the strikes were precisely planned against militant hubs, with weapons and ammunition destroyed. It accuses Kabul of sheltering TTP militants, a charge Afghanistan denies.