International calls for restraint are growing after the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 28 civilians and injured 49 others on Sunday (28 June).
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said women and children were among the victims in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces.
"These figures are preliminary and may increase as hospitals continue to treat the injured."
According to UNAMA, the deadliest strike was in Chamkani district of Paktia province at about 11.30pm local time, where at least 22 civilians were killed and 47 others injured. Six civilians were killed in Gyan district of Paktika province, while two children were injured in Kunar's Marawara district.
UNAMA said Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had confirmed Pakistani security forces carried out strikes in the three provinces. Pakistan has said its forces were targeting militant hideouts.
The United Kingdom's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, said civilians must be protected.
"We condemn all forms of terrorism. We urge adherence to international humanitarian law and protection of civilians, and reiterate calls to de-escalate."
United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett called for accountability.
"Pakistan's security concerns must be addressed in accordance with international law. I urge restraint, civilian protection & accountability."
The European Union (EU) also called for de-escalation.
"International humanitarian law must be respected at all times. We call for immediate de-escalation and restraint."
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Afghanistan said it was assessing the impact with UN partners.
"Children must be protected at all times."
The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Stéphane Dujarric, said the Secretary-General was deeply concerned and called for an immediate end to hostilities.
Meanwhile, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told local media that Kabul would respond to the strikes at an "appropriate time" and said the response would be "crushing".
He gave no further details as international officials continued to call for restraint, de-escalation and the protection of civilians.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy...
A Chinese-made AI chip has matched Nvidia’s H200 in tests conducted by its developer, marking a potential breakthrough in China’s effor...
China’s GJ-21 carrier-based stealth reconnaissance and strike drone has completed its first take-off and landing on board the Sichuan, the co...
The Middle East conflict remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue alongside renewed Houthi attacks. Iran says it remains open to mediation, while the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the kingdom.
Rescuers searched the wreckage of two high-speed trains in central Spain on Thursday as the death toll rose to a provisional 74, making it the country's second fatal high-speed rail disaster this year.
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran, according to an official briefed on the talks.
Evacuations and the provision of humanitarian aid in the Russian-occupied southern Ukrainian town of Oleshky have begun, a senior Ukrainian official said on Friday. In a statement on Telegram, David Arakhamia said a six-day ceasefire was holding, and that more details would follow.
UN human rights experts comprising a group including Special Rapporteurs and independent experts who are part of the UN Human Rights Council, have criticised French authorities over their handling of nationwide student protests.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan surged by 330 per cent in 2026 despite a four-year ban, the United Nations said on Thursday. Afghan authorities disputed the findings, while Japan urged continued support for farmers seeking alternative livelihoods.
Central Asia could gain up to $640 million a year from closer energy cooperation, but strained electricity grids threaten to limit those gains, with Kazakhstan particularly exposed to regional power shortages and growing pressure on its network.
Georgia and Azerbaijan are stepping up efforts to boost trade, strengthen transport links between Asia and Europe and resolve a longstanding border dispute, as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
People travelling between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan could soon be able to pay for purchases using their usual banking apps. Central banks from the five countries are working on linking their national payment systems.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment