Residents of eastern Afghanistan say Pakistani airstrikes in recent days have killed and injured civilians and inflicted significant financial damage, as tensions escalate between Pakistan and the Taliban.
In Momand Dara district of Nangarhar province, one family described a night that they say changed their lives forever. Their home, belonging to a woman identified as Ruhi Jan, was struck several days ago in what residents said was a Pakistani attack.
According to the family, one son was killed and another was wounded.
The boy who died, Habibullah, was a ninth-grade student who hoped to become a teacher, relatives said. Even before formally entering the profession, they said, he often helped classmates with their lessons and acted as a mentor among his peers.
“I came home and went to sleep at night,” Ruhi Jan said. “At night, Pakistan attacked my house. My two sons were inside. One was killed and one was wounded. I have no ties to any group and am not a member of any group. This oppression was done to us.”
Classmates described Habibullah as hardworking and bright.
“He wanted to become a teacher,” said Kamran, a resident of Momand Dara. “Even at school, he would teach other students. He was very intelligent and diligent.”
Residents in border areas say they have borne the brunt of the fighting as tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have intensified. Bereaved families in Nangarhar called on responsible authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further civilian casualties.
In recent days, Pakistan has carried out airstrikes in several provinces, including Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, Khost, Paktia, Paktika, Parwan, Panjshir and Kabul.
