António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has expressed concern over escalating clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, warning that the situation risks destabilising the wider region. He urged both nations to avoid further military confrontation, resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, and uphold international obligations, particularly the protection of civilians, Afghanistan's news agency Khaama Press reported.
Tensions intensified after Pakistan launched "Operation Ghazab lil-Haq" (Righteous Fury) on Thursday night in response to what it described as "unprovoked firing" by Afghan forces across multiple border sectors, according to Pakistan's daily Dawn.
In retaliation, Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence said Afghan forces carried out counter-strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing at least 55 Pakistani soldiers and capturing two military bases and 19 posts. The clashes reportedly lasted four hours, during which Afghan forces also destroyed additional posts, seized weapons and ammunition, destroyed a tank, and captured a military transport vehicle.
Afghan authorities said eight Afghan soldiers were killed and 11 others injured in the fighting. They also alleged that 13 Afghan civilians, including women and children, were wounded in a missile strike by Pakistani forces on a refugee camp in Nangarhar province.
The Taliban condemned Pakistan's airstrikes as a "shameful act" and warned of a military response. In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan had targeted civilians rather than militants and rejected claims that Afghan territory was being used to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Earlier, on February 22, Afghanistan's Defence Ministry accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in residential areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, resulting in civilian casualties. Islamabad, however, maintains that its operations targeted militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.
The situation continues to raise concerns about further escalation along the volatile border region.
(With inputs from IANS)
