The Pakistan Air Force carried out a series of airstrikes on the capital of Afghanistan and the provinces of Kandahar and Paktia early on Friday morning. This attack marked another stage in the rapid escalation of the conflict between the countries. This was reported by AP, writes UNN.
Details
At least three powerful explosions were recorded in Kabul, but official information about the destruction or the number of civilian casualties is currently unavailable.
Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that targets in the south and southeast of the country were also hit.
The Pakistani side characterizes its actions as a forced response to the aggression of the neighboring state, while the Afghan authorities declare the right to self-defense after previous shelling of border territories.
Diplomatic deadlock and international community's reaction
The current escalation was preceded by a night attack by Afghan forces on Pakistan's border areas, during which Kabul claimed to have captured more than ten Pakistani army posts – Islamabad denies these claims.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his representative, called on the parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to a diplomatic settlement of differences. Despite calls for the protection of civilians, both sides continue to build up their military presence along the border, increasing the risks of a full-scale armed conflict in the region.