United Nations officials have confirmed that Pakistani airstrikes in the border region have resulted in the deaths of at least 28 civilians. The strikes, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, targeted areas near the disputed border, raising concerns about a potential escalation in regional hostilities.
According to a statement from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the deceased include women and children, with dozens more injured. The strikes hit residential compounds and a market in a village reported to be several kilometres from any known military installations.
The Pakistani government has not issued an official comment. However, military sources earlier indicated that strikes were aimed at militant hideouts in the region. The Afghan government has condemned the action as a violation of its sovereignty and has called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
This incident comes amid heightened tension between the two neighbours, who have a history of conflict over the frontier. Analysts suggest that the strikes could undermine recent efforts towards diplomatic engagement. The UN has called for an independent investigation into the incident and for all parties to exercise restraint.
The civilian death toll is the highest in a single incident in the area in over a year. International rights groups have urged Pakistan to adhere to international humanitarian law.
The region remains on high alert, with both sides mobilising troops along the border. The international community is watching closely as the situation develops.
