Taliban on Thursday confirmed that Pakistani drones struck a home and a market in Kabul’s District 4 on Wednesday, just hours before a ceasefire was declared following days of deadly clashes along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, The Associated Press reported.
Khalid Zadran, a Taliban spokesperson for their police in Kabul, told The Associated Press that the airstrikes occurred Wednesday afternoon, causing civilian casualties. He said the death toll was not yet finalized and that investigations were ongoing.
The airstrikes happened in the fifth street of Taimani project, which is a busy area in Kabul. At least two buildings have been heavily damaged while many other houses, shops and a school have also been affected.
EMERGENCY said that at least five people killed and 35 more wounded.
Initially, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid attributed the explosion to a fuel tanker accident. But local officials later confirmed the blasts were caused by Pakistani drone strikes.
The agreement followed several days of intense fighting that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded on both sides of the border.
Islamabad has not officially responded to the accusations. However, Pakistani military sources, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity, said the strikes targeted militant hideouts inside Afghanistan.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan welcomed the ceasefire and urged both parties to end hostilities and protect civilians.
According to UNAMA, 18 civilians were killed and over 390 injured in the recent violence. Most casualties were reported in the eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Kandahar and Helmand.
