The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said Friday it had confirmed that at least four civilians were killed and 14 others injured in airstrikes in eastern Kabul overnight.
In a statement, UNAMA said the casualties occurred in the Pul-e-Charkhi area and included women and children.
“We continue to call for an immediate cessation in hostilities to prevent further loss of civilian life,” the mission said.
UNAMA said civilians, mostly women and children, continue to bear the brunt of the latest escalation in cross-border violence.
Since Feb. 26, the mission said it has recorded at least 75 civilians killed and 193 others injured in Afghanistan as a result of ongoing clashes.
Tensions between Pakistani forces and the Taliban have intensified in the past 16 days, with both sides exchanging artillery fire, airstrikes and claims of military casualties along the disputed border.
Taliban officials say Pakistani airstrikes have targeted several provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika. Pakistan says its military operations are aimed at militant groups it accuses of operating from Afghanistan’s territory.
Taliban have denied those accusations and has said they have responded with strikes on Pakistani military sites across the border.
The United Nations and humanitarian groups have repeatedly urged both sides to de-escalate and protect civilians as the violence threatens to worsen Afghanistan’s already severe humanitarian crisis.
