UN mission confirms 10 civilians killed in Pakistani strikes on Kunar and Helmand
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has said that 10 civilians were killed and nine others injured in Pakistani airstrikes on the provinces of Kunar and Helmand, with most of the victims women and children. Russia’s embassy in Kabul also said on Saturday, Oct. 3, that it was concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the clashes, adding that the continued armed confrontation between the two sides had caused casualties among innocent civilians.
The strikes took place early on Thursday morning. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting claimed that two hideouts were destroyed in the operation and 22 people were killed. However, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban administration, and UNAMA have confirmed the killing of civilians.
The Russian embassy said Moscow was ready to mediate between Kabul and Islamabad. Zamir Kabulov, the Russian president’s special envoy for Afghanistan, said the upcoming Moscow Format meeting on Oct. 5 could create conditions for direct dialogue and a reduction in border tensions.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, also expressed concern over the recording of more than 1,100 civilian casualties from cross-border clashes since the start of 2026, and called for an immediate halt to military actions and a move toward diplomatic channels. The European Union has also urged Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint, and asked the Taliban administration to take action against the activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Taliban administration, described the bombing of the Sheltan district in Kunar and the Garmser district in Helmand as a “war crime” and said the administration would deliver a “calculated” response to the Pakistani army.
