UN Urges Civilian Protection After Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan

UN Urges Civilian Protection After Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan
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The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has called for greater protection of civilians following recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, saying civilians should never bear the cost of armed conflict.

OCHA stated on Sunday, July 5, that hostilities cause damage beyond destroyed homes and infrastructure, disrupting communities, fueling fear, and leaving lasting psychological impacts, particularly on children.

The agency also shared the testimony of a resident from Spera district in Khost province, one of the areas affected by the recent airstrikes.

The appeal follows Pakistani airstrikes carried out last week in parts of Paktika, Paktia and Kunar provinces along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the strikes killed 28 civilians and injured 49 others in Gayan district of Paktika province, Samkani district of Paktia province and Manugi district of Kunar province.

Pakistan said its military operation targeted hideouts used by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, claiming that 25 militants were killed. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghanistan territory, an allegation the Taliban administration denies.

The Taliban administration condemned the strikes as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and said civilian areas had been hit. Pakistan maintains that its military operations are directed solely against militant groups that threaten the country’s security.

The reported airstrikes were the second cross-border military operation conducted by Pakistan inside Afghanistan this month, underscoring persistent tensions between the two neighboring countries over border security and insurgent activity.