KABUL / ISLAMABAD — A fragile cross-border ceasefire has completely broken down after Pakistani military forces launched a wave of retaliatory air strikes and ground operations inside eastern Afghanistan. The United Nations has confirmed massive civilian casualties, throwing the region into a severe humanitarian emergency.
The late-night strikes targeted positions across three Afghan border provinces Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar obliterating residential homes while families were asleep. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the casualties are heavily concentrated in Chamkani district (Paktia) and Gyan district (Paktika).
“I cannot put into words the condition of the children I saw at the hospital, or the screams of their parents and siblings.”
Adam Khan (63), resident of Paktia province, speaking to AFP