UN urges restraint after alleged Pakistan airstrikes kill more than 10 in Afghanistan

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for restraint and respect for international law as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalate yet again.

According to the United Nations mission, the airstrikes killed at least 10 civilians, including most of the children, and injured six others. UNAMA also urged the protection of civilians.

The statement read, “UNAMA again calls for respect for international law to protect civilians and prevent civilian harm.”

In a different statement, the spokesperson of the Afghan de facto government, Zabiullah Mujahid, said the “Pakistani invading forces” were bombing Khost, Paktika and Kunar provinces.

Mujahid condemned the airstrikes in Afghanistan and described them as “a direct assault on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a clear breach of internationally recognised norms and principles by the Pakistani authorities.”

He warned that such actions by Pakistan are “driven by flawed intelligence,” and will “achieve nothing” but escalate tensions.

He further condemned the alleged “violation and act of aggression,” stressing that “defending its airspace, territory and citizens is its legitimate right,” and cautioned that a response “will be taken at the proper time.”

During a news briefing in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, denied the Afghan government’s claim, saying, “We announce and acknowledge whenever we carry out such strikes.”

As relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan worsen, regional countries, including Russia and Iran, have stepped up efforts to reduce tensions.

On 16 November, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, emphasised that establishing stability in the region is Russia’s highest priority and offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease the growing tensions.

Tehran has repeatedly expressed concern over border clashes, warning that the ongoing conflict could threaten regional stability and cause civilian suffering.

According to recent reports, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has formally offered Iran’s “good offices” to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul.

Tehran is organising a regional meeting slated for next month, to reduce tensions. The proposed summit would bring together Afghanistan’s neighbours and regional powers to help de-escalate the situation and seek a lasting agreement.

However, the recent escalation and airstrikes have caused concern within the international community, which is monitoring the situation closely, as any retaliation could further exacerbate instability in the already tense and militarised border regions.

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