KABUL, Afghanistan — The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it has received credible reports that dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes conducted by Pakistan’s military in Paktika province on December 24.
In a statement, UNAMA called for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability, prevent future incidents, and uphold the rights of victims.
“International law obliges military forces to take necessary precautions to prevent civilian harm, including distinguishing between civilians and combatants in operations,” the statement read.
Taliban officials stated that the airstrikes in the Barmal district of Paktika targeted Waziristani refugees, claiming that 46 people were killed and six others injured. The Taliban condemned the operation, describing it as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed the airstrikes on Thursday, describing them as an intelligence-based operation aimed at neutralizing threats to Pakistan’s security.
“Pakistan is united for its people,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during a media briefing in Islamabad. “The intelligence-based operation was conducted in Afghanistan’s border areas based on threats to the security of Pakistani citizens.”
The strikes have added to tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban, which have already been strained over border clashes and Islamabad’s accusations that the Taliban harbor militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban deny these allegations.
