Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of killing three civilians in ‘war crime’ | Conflict News
Taliban Accuses Pakistan of Civilian Deaths Amid Ceasefire Tensions
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has accused Pakistan of a cross-border attack that left three civilians dead, which it has condemned as a “war crime.” The incident, reported on Monday, raises concerns about the fragile ceasefire established last month between the two nations, following extensive hostilities that resulted in numerous casualties.
Deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat stated on social media platform X that 14 additional individuals were wounded in the assault. He alleged that Pakistan deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, including homes, educational institutions, a health center, and mosques in the Dangam district of Kunar province, which borders Pakistan.
In response, Pakistani authorities have rejected the allegations, suggesting that Kabul may have manipulated images of the damage. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting claimed the destruction appeared inconsistent with artillery strikes and speculated that the incident could be part of a “propaganda effort” to undermine Pakistan. This accusation follows recent cross-border attacks that resulted in nine fatalities, which Islamabad attributed to insurgents based in Afghanistan.
The heightened tensions coincided with an incident in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where a suicide attack was thwarted by security forces. One person was killed, and several others injured when personnel opened fire on a vehicle loaded with explosives that was heading toward a military checkpoint. The vehicle detonated before reaching its intended target.
Muhammad Amir Rana, the Director of the Pak Institute for Peace Studies, commented on the complexities facing Pakistan regarding cross-border operations. He emphasized the need for effective intelligence to minimize collateral damage, noting that Pakistan’s security situation has deteriorated significantly, especially in light of recent conflicts, including the war in Iran that began on February 28.
Rana expressed skepticism about the prospects for a diplomatic resolution, stating that Pakistan’s growing diplomatic stature has led it to adopt a firmer stance, while Afghanistan questions the rationale for making concessions.
The ongoing tensions arise against a backdrop of mutual accusations, with Islamabad claiming that Afghanistan shelters Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group opposed to the Pakistani government. Kabul has denied these allegations.
