UNAMA Reports Over 750 Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan from Pakistani Military Attacks in First Quarter of 2026

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported that more than 750 civilian casualties were recorded in the first three months of 2026 due to Pakistani military attacks in various areas of Afghanistan. According to the report, the majority of these casualties resulted from airstrikes, primarily occurring in February and March.

Covering events from January 1 to March 31 this year, the report indicates that 64 percent of civilian casualties were caused by airstrikes, while 35 percent were due to rocket shelling by Pakistani forces. The highest number of casualties were reported in Kabul, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, with most victims being men.

UNAMA also referred to previous clashes along the Durand Line between October 10 and 17, 2025, during which over 500 civilians were killed or injured, including 47 deaths and 456 injuries.

The deadliest incident noted in the report was the night attack on 25th of Hoot (March 15) against a drug rehabilitation center in District 9 of Kabul city. According to Taliban officials, this attack resulted in more than 400 deaths and 250 injuries.

In its recommendations, UNAMA urged Pakistan to commit to protecting civilian lives, take necessary precautions before military operations, avoid targeting densely populated areas, and transparently investigate allegations of human rights violations and breaches of international law.

Nearly eight months into the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, diplomatic efforts have so far failed to fully end the conflicts or normalize transit routes between the two countries—a situation that continues to overshadow the security and livelihoods of residents in border areas.