India on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistani airstrikes carried out in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, expressing concern over civilian casualties and the impact of the attacks on regional peace and security. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that such actions against a sovereign neighbouring country undermine regional stability.
Jaiswal said India conveyed its condolences over the loss of civilian lives and wished those injured in the attacks a speedy recovery. He also reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the welfare of its people.
According to Afghan authorities and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, three civilians were killed in the latest strikes, while four others were injured. Afghan officials said a house in Kunar was hit, killing members of the same family, while strikes in Paktika damaged a shop and an unoccupied house.
Pakistan said its forces had carried out airstrikes against alleged militant camps and hideouts in the border region and claimed that 28 militants were killed. Pakistan described the operation as a response to militant attacks inside the country. The reported militant death toll has not been independently verified.
The latest attacks come amid continuing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over cross-border militancy. Islamabad has accused militant groups operating from Afghan territory of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, while Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have rejected the allegations.
India’s latest statement also called on Pakistan to demonstrate credible action against cross-border terrorism. New Delhi said continued aggression between neighbouring countries is detrimental to regional peace and security.
