KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has received credible reports of civilian casualties as a result of overnight airstrikes carried out by Pakistan inside Afghanistan late on 21 February and into the early hours of 22 February.
On 21 February, at approximately 23:45 to 00:15 on 22 February, Pakistani military forces conducted airstrikes in Behsud and Khogyani districts in Nangarhar province. Preliminary civilian casualty figures indicate at least 13 civilians were killed and seven others injured, including women and children.
Pakistani military forces also conducted airstrikes in Barmal and Urgun districts in Paktika province. In the first reported incident, on 21 February, at approximately 23:15, in Barmal district, Marghai area, an airstrike impacted a madrassa, and partially damaged a nearby mosque. In the second reported incident, at approximately 23:30 in Urgun district, Dahna area, an airstrike impacted and partially destroyed a vacant private residential house. No civilian casualties have been reported so far.
UNAMA calls on all parties to bring a lasting end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life and injury, and reminds all parties of their obligations under international law to comply with the key principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution to prevent civilian casualties.