The United Nations confirmed that cross-border artillery strikes by Pakistani forces killed at least 28 civilians in Afghanistan’s eastern Khost province on Tuesday. The incident, which also left 15 people wounded, marks the deadliest such escalation along the disputed Durand Line in recent memory. Local officials reported that shells struck a village near the border, destroying several homes.
The UN mission in Afghanistan said it verified the casualty figures through field teams and urged restraint from both sides. Pakistan’s foreign office did not comment on the specific allegation but reiterated its commitment to border security. The attack comes amid heightened tensions between the two neighbours, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of harbouring militant groups that launch cross-border raids.
Analysts note that the incident risks further destabilising a region already grappling with the Taliban’s return to power.
