UN says strikes in Afghanistan killed 10 civilians

The United Nations reported that airstrikes on Thursday in Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of at least 10 civilians, primarily children, in both Helmand province and Kunar, a bordering region in Pakistan. The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated earlier this year, with sporadic attacks occurring since a truce was negotiated in March.

Following the strikes, the UN mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, confirmed the casualty figures reported by Afghan officials. Islamabad confirmed the strikes, claiming they were aimed at militants, although it did not specify the locations. Residents in Helmand reported three separate airstrikes that hit their village, killing three and injuring seven people.

The region's strategic importance to the Taliban movement, particularly alongside Kandahar province, which was also hit by an airstrike the previous week, adds to the gravity of the situation. Afghan residents described the devastation, with many homes destroyed and civilians, including women and children, killed or injured. Pakistan reported an initial toll of 22 militants killed and weapons destroyed, but the Taliban government denies harboring militants in Afghanistan and criticizes Pakistan for violating Afghan sovereignty and killing civilians.