UN urges Pakistan and Afghanistan to end hostilities, protect civilians

The United Nations on Thursday called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to bring “a lasting end to hostilities” after days of cross-border fighting left dozens dead and hundreds injured.

The recent clashes mark the deadliest confrontation between the two neighbors since 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan following the collapse of the Western-backed government. Violence escalated from Oct. 10, with both sides claiming retaliation against armed provocations from the other. On Wednesday, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire.

The truce came after appeals from regional powers, amid fears that the fighting could destabilize a region where extremist groups, including the Islamic State and al-Qaida, are attempting to regroup. No overnight clashes were reported, though key border crossings remained closed on Thursday.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) welcomed the ceasefire and continues to assess casualties. According to initial reports, at least 17 civilians were killed and 346 injured in Spin Boldak in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday. UNAMA also documented at least 16 civilian casualties in other provinces during earlier clashes.

“UNAMA calls on all parties to bring a lasting end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life,” the mission said.

Pakistan has not released figures on civilian casualties on its side and has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of sheltering militants — a charge denied by the Taliban. The two countries share a 2,611-kilometer (1,622-mile) border, known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never formally recognized.

Source: AP