Kabul, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
At least 57 people were killed and 342 others injured in cross-border armed violence in Afghanistan between April 1 and June 30, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Tuesday.
In its latest update on civilian casualties, UNAMA said airstrikes and ground engagements were the main causes of civilian harm during the period. The UN mission attributed all recorded civilian casualties from cross-border attacks to Pakistani security forces.
The casualties included 112 children, with 26 killed and 86 injured, while 40 women were among those affected, including six deaths and 34 injuries, according to the report.
UNAMA said the highest number of civilian casualties resulted from airstrikes carried out by Pakistani security forces in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces on June 28. It added that shelling in Kunar province between April 27 and April 29 was another major cause of civilian harm.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have witnessed heightened tensions in recent months, with repeated exchanges of fire along the border and growing concerns over the impact on civilians.
On July 15, US-based rights organisation Human Rights Watch called for an independent investigation into possible violations of international humanitarian law following Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan.
The organisation said civilian casualties alone do not establish violations of the laws of war but stressed that reports of civilian deaths require impartial investigations into possible violations by all sides involved.
Human Rights Watch also highlighted that international humanitarian law requires parties to armed conflicts to take necessary measures to protect civilians, including distinguishing between civilian populations and military targets. It said obligations remain applicable to all parties, regardless of violations committed by the opposing side.
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