UN confirms at least 28 Afghan civilians killed in Pakistani bombings

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that at least 28 civilians died and 49 were injured in recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan. The attacks occurred late Sunday night.

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On Sunday night, around 11:30 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT), an airstrike in the Chamkani district, Paktia province, caused the death of at least 22 civilians and injuries to 47 others. Approximately at the same time, another airstrike in the Gyan district, Paktia province, killed six civilians.

UNAMA reported that an airstrike in Chamkani district of Paktia province killed at least 22 civilians and wounded 47. Simultaneously, another strike in the Gyan district of Paktia province resulted in six civilian deaths. A third airstrike in the Marawara district of Kunar province injured two children.

Witnesses told EFE that the Pakistani military conducted secondary, lethal attacks as residents attempted to rescue those injured in the initial bombings. UNAMA's figures contrast with Pakistan's claim of having eliminated 29 insurgents in what it described as an anti-terrorism operation. The de facto Taliban government in Kabul reported a higher casualty count, stating at least 36 civilians were killed and 163 injured.

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A third airstrike, in the Marawara district, Kunar province, injured two children.

The Pakistani strikes were reportedly in retaliation for the killing of three Pakistani armed forces members on Saturday in Karachi, an act Islamabad attributes to terrorists linked to the Pakistani Taliban. Kabul denies harboring such groups. UNAMA stated it will continue its verification efforts, noting that the casualty figures may rise as hospitals treat the wounded.

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could increase as hospitals continue to treat the wounded.