Afghanistan says nine civilians killed in Pakistani air strikes on Kunar, Helmand
· World · Al Jazeera, NDTV, Times of India
Pakistan launched air attacks on Afghanistan's Kunar and Helmand provinces on Wednesday, targeting alleged armed group hideouts. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes killed at least nine civilians, including women and children, and wounded 11 others, destroying three houses. Pakistan's Ministry of Information claimed the attacks killed at least 22 fighters in the two locations. The alleged strikes come after three months of relative calm, amid escalating accusations between the neighbours. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring groups that launch cross-border attacks, while Afghanistan denies the charge and calls it Pakistan's internal problem. Al Jazeera could not independently verify the casualty claims from either side.
Why it matters
Civilians in Kunar and Helmand provinces face direct harm from cross-border military actions, worsening humanitarian conditions. The incident risks further destabilising already tense Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.