Afghanistan says deadly Pakistani strikes hit Helmand

KABUL: On Thursday, Pakistani military jets carried out rare strikes on Afghanistan's Helmand province, according to both the Taliban government and local residents. This marks the escalation of a conflict that began earlier this year, with sporadic attacks persisting despite a truce in March. The latest strikes expanded to Kunar province, which shares a border with Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of 10 civilians, stated the Taliban's deputy spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat.

The Pakistani government confirmed the strikes, describing them as planned and calibrated, targeting militants without providing further details. Two residents in Helmand reported that three airstrikes had hit their village, killing three civilians and wounding seven. Abdul Wahid, a 50-year-old villager, described the destruction of homes and the absence of rescue efforts, emphasizing the civilian casualties.

Qudrat Ullah, another resident, recounted the destruction of a neighbor's house, claiming that civilians, including children and women, were killed. Pakistan's information ministry reported an initial death toll of 22 militants and the destruction of weapons and ammunition, accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants and violating the country's sovereignty.

The Taliban denies these allegations and criticizes Pakistan for targeting civilians. In Kunar province, an AFP journalist witnessed the aftermath of an airstrike, witnessing the remains of destroyed houses and an injured woman seeking assistance. Since October, over 500 civilians have been killed in cross-border violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as reported by the United Nations mission in Afghanistan.