KABUL, Feb. 25 — The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has confirmed that Pakistani airstrikes carried out overnight on Feb. 21–22 in eastern Afghanistan resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.
According to the UN mission’s initial findings, Pakistani forces conducted aerial strikes in the Behsud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar Province, killing at least 13 civilians and injuring seven others. The mission noted that the casualty figures could rise as further information becomes available.
Additional airstrikes were reported in the Barmal and Urgun districts of Paktika Province. The first strike occurred around 11:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the Murghai area of Barmal district, damaging a madrassa building and a nearby mosque. About 15 minutes later, another strike hit the Dhana area of Urgun district, partially destroying an unoccupied private residence. No casualties were reported in those incidents.
The UN mission expressed continued concern over the impact of the airstrikes on civilians and emphasized the need for protection of noncombatants during military operations.
Officials from Afghanistan’s ruling administration alleged that one airstrike in the Gardi Kach area of Behsud district struck the home of a man identified as Shahabuddin, killing between 20 and 23 members of a single family, including 11 children, as well as women and men. These figures have not been independently verified.
Afghan authorities said five injured individuals were transported to a local hospital in Nangarhar for treatment.
Meanwhile, the Baloch National Movement condemned the airstrikes, accusing Pakistan of targeting populated areas and violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The group extended condolences to the affected families and called for greater unity among regional nations in response to rising tensions.
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