Russia’s embassy expresses concern over civilian casualties in Pakistan’s strikes on Afghanistan

UNAMA has confirmed the deaths of at least 10 civilians in Pakistani air strikes on Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces, while Russia’s embassy in Kabul has also expressed concern over the impact of military clashes on civilians, especially children.

In a post on its X account on Saturday, 11 October, the Russian embassy said a number of people, including children, were killed and others were wounded in overnight strikes on the two provinces on 1 October.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban administration, said Pakistani aircraft bombed civilians’ homes in the Chowgam area of Shultan district in Kunar and the Safar area of Garmsir district in Helmand. He said nine people, including women and children, were killed and 11 others were wounded in the attacks, and three houses were also destroyed.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the strikes targeted hideouts and shelters of Pakistani groups, and that 22 “terrorists” were killed as a result. In confirming the civilian casualties, UNAMA did not name Pakistan.