Pakistan Strikes Kabul and Border Provinces, Claims Afghan Government
Afghan authorities said Friday that Pakistan carried out new strikes on Kabul and border provinces, killing four people in the capital. A Pakistani security official confirmed overnight strikes targeting the Pakistani Taliban militant group, known as TTP.
Casualties in Kabul
Four people were killed and 15 wounded in bombardment that hit homes in the capital. Kabul police spokesman Khalil Zadran said women and children were among the victims.
The strikes hit civilian residential areas according to Afghan authorities. Pakistani officials deny killing civilians and maintain their operations target only militant groups.
Multiple Provinces Targeted
Pakistani strikes also hit the southern province of Kandahar, as well as eastern Paktia and Paktika provinces that border Pakistan. Kandahar is home to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
In Kandahar, strikes hit a fuel depot for airline Kam Air near the airport. The facility supplies fuel to civilian airlines and United Nations aircraft.
Casualty Verification Challenges
Pakistan insists it has not killed any civilians in the conflict. Casualty claims from both sides remain difficult to verify independently.
The UN mission in Afghanistan reported 56 civilians killed, including 24 children, by Pakistani operations between February 26 and March 5. About 115,000 people were forced from their homes.
Escalating Border Tensions
Afghan and Pakistani forces have clashed repeatedly at the border in recent weeks. The fighting has disrupted trade and forced nearby residents to abandon their homes.
Fighting intensified on February 26 when Afghanistan launched an offensive along the frontier. Pakistan responded by declaring “open war” against Taliban authorities on February 27.
Recent Deaths from Border Clashes
Seven people were killed in Afghanistan since Tuesday from cross-border clashes. Four members of the same family, including two children, died Thursday in Khost province.
Deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian homes and nomads’ tents. The allegations underscore the civilian toll from the conflict.
Ongoing Military Operations
Pakistan launched air strikes last month targeting what it describes as Pakistani Taliban positions. Islamabad says operations follow growing attacks within Pakistan.
The Taliban government denies involvement or use of Afghan territory for militancy. The disagreement over responsibility drives the escalating conflict.
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