Pakistani military airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan have killed at least 28 civilians, according to Afghan officials, prompting a sharp rebuke from the United Nations. The strikes, which occurred in Khost province near the border, hit two villages overnight. Afghan sources reported that women and children were among the dead, with dozens more wounded.
The Pakistani military stated that the operation targeted terrorist safe havens, but did not provide evidence of militant casualties. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the action as a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty and called for an immediate investigation. The incident threatens to further destabilise a region already strained by the Taliban's resurgence and diplomatic tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
The Afghan government has summoned the Pakistani ambassador, demanding an end to such operations.
