The United Kingdom has condemned a Pakistani military operation in Afghanistan that resulted in the deaths of at least 24 civilians, including women and children, as a “reckless escalation” of regional tensions. The incident, which occurred in the border province of Khost, has drawn sharp international criticism and threatens to destabilise an already fragile security situation.
According to Afghan officials, Pakistani forces conducted an airstrike on a village near the Durand Line on Monday, targeting what Islamabad described as militant hideouts. However, local residents and humanitarian workers reported that the strikes hit residential compounds, killing mostly non-combatants. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called the attack a “violation of sovereignty” and summoned Pakistan’s ambassador for a formal protest.
The UK Foreign Office issued a statement late Tuesday expressing “deep concern” over the loss of civilian life and urging restraint. A spokesperson said: “This reckless escalation undermines regional stability and sets back efforts for a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan. We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and prioritise the protection of civilians.”
Pakistan’s military has defended its actions, asserting that the operation targeted “terrorist sanctuaries” and that civilian casualties were unintentional. In a press briefing, Major General Asif Ghafoor claimed that “precise intelligence” had been used and that an investigation would be conducted. But the lack of independent access to the site and contradictory reports have fuelled scepticism.
The attack comes at a critical juncture. US forces are completing their withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the Taliban have made significant territorial gains. Analysts fear that cross-border incidents could further fragment the security landscape and empower non-state actors. Dr. Emma Harris, a fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, described the strike as “a dangerous gamble” that risks alienating local populations and complicating diplomatic efforts.
Humanitarian organisations have called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access to the affected area. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported that it is verifying casualty figures and assessing the needs of displaced families. “Civilians are paying the highest price for these actions,” said a UN spokesperson.
The UK’s condemnation aligns with that of other Western allies, including the United States and the European Union. But the response from regional powers has been more restrained. China, a key ally of Pakistan, urged restraint without directly criticising the operation, while Iran called for a “comprehensive dialogue” to prevent further violence.
In the aftermath, questions about accountability and the effectiveness of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy are likely to intensify. For the families of the victims, however, the geopolitical calculus offers little solace. As one elder buried his son, he told reporters: “We are not militants. We are farmers. Who will answer for this?”
