Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Drone Strikes Amid Ceasefire
Afghanistan’s Taliban government stated today that Pakistan conducted drone strikes within Kabul yesterday, shortly before a ceasefire was announced following days of escalating conflict between the two nations.
According to Kabul police chief spokesman Khalid Zadran, the strikes hit a civilian house and a market Wednesday afternoon. While initial reports lacked specific casualty figures, hospital doctors indicated five people were killed and dozens injured, with patients suffering from shrapnel wounds, blunt force trauma, and burns. Emergency, a non-governmental organization operating a surgical center in Kabul, confirmed treating numerous patients. Taliban government chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid initially reported an oil tanker explosion.
The escalating violence, which began around October 10th, saw both Islamabad and Kabul claiming retaliation for armed provocations. This recent surge in hostilities represents the deadliest clashes between the two countries since the Taliban regained control in 2021, raising concerns about regional stability. The 2,611-kilometer border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, known as the Durand Line, remains a point of contention, as Afghanistan does not recognize it. Further information on border disputes can be found at the Council on Foreign Relations.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) welcomed the ceasefire, reporting 37 civilian deaths and 425 injuries in Afghanistan due to the cross-border clashes this week, specifically in Paktya, Paktika, Kunar, Khost, Kandahar and Helmand provinces. Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously, stated their forces targeted militant hideouts on Wednesday and reported killing dozens of militants who crossed over from Afghanistan today in the Mohmand district. You can find more information about UNAMA’s work here.
Key border crossings remain closed, and officials are urging both sides to work towards a lasting end to the hostilities.
