Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, deplored reports of civilian casualties from Pakistani military airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province and called for an investigation to ensure accountability.
“Echoing UNAMA, I deplore the killing of Afghan civilians, including women and children, in reported airstrikes by Pakistan’s military in Paktika province on 24 December and remind of obligations under international law to prevent civilian harm, investigate, and ensure accountability,” Mr. Bennett said in a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had earlier stated that it had received credible reports of dozens of civilian deaths, including women and children, as a result of the strikes.
In a statement released Thursday on X, UNAMA emphasized that international law obligates all military forces to take necessary precautions during operations to protect civilians, including distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants.
The Taliban, in their statement, said the airstrikes in the Barmal district of Paktika targeted Waziristani refugees. They reported 46 fatalities, including women and children, and six others injured.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Geo News, citing sources, claimed that the airstrikes killed 71 militants, including two senior commanders. The Pakistani media outlet also reported that four key militant hubs, including a facility for manufacturing suicide vests, were destroyed, and no civilians were harmed during the operation.
