Heavy Shelling by Pakistani Forces Closes Konar–Nuristan Highway

Residents of Nuristan province report that following heavy shelling by Pakistani forces, the main highway between Konar and eastern Nuristan has been closed, halting civilian traffic. According to locals, this route, one of the region’s vital supply lines, is currently under fire, making passage impossible and leading to food shortages in several areas.

Local residents also claim that some residential homes have been targeted during these attacks. They condemned the targeting of civilian areas, public infrastructure, and roads as violations of established international norms and called for an immediate end to the shelling.

Local officials in Nuristan have confirmed that the highway between the Kamdish and Barg-Matal districts was attacked. Faridun Samim, spokesperson for the Nuristan governor, announced that work has begun on an alternative route through the Peprock area to connect these districts to the provincial center. He noted that this project was delayed due to snowfall but, with the snow now stopped, the road is expected to be usable within two days.

Konar’s Department of Information and Culture reported that more than 85 artillery shells were fired into parts of the province within the past 24 hours, alongside a drone strike. According to their information, these attacks resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to eight others.

Local authorities added that in retaliatory strikes, Taliban administration forces destroyed three Pakistani military checkpoints in the Nawapas area of Sarkano district, killing one Pakistani soldier. Nevertheless, residents of the border areas stress that the ongoing clashes pose a serious threat to civilian safety and livelihoods, calling for responsible management and prevention of further harm to non-combatants.