EU Expresses Concern Over Civilian Deaths in Pakistani Airstrikes on Afghanistan
DID Press: European Union has expressed regret over civilian deaths in recent airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces and called on Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint and reduce tensions through dialogue.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU cited findings by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which confirmed that at least 10 civilians, most of them children, were killed and nine others injured in the strikes.
The EU urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to address their differences. It also called on the Taliban authorities to take effective action against terrorist groups operating within or from Afghan territory.
The statement stressed that all parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and take all feasible measures to prevent civilian harm.
The reaction followed Pakistani airstrikes on parts of Kunar and Helmand on Thursday. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information said the strikes targeted militant positions at two locations in Afghanistan and that initial reports indicated 22 militants were killed. Pakistan’s claim has not been independently verified.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid earlier said the strikes killed nine civilians and wounded 11 others, while three homes were destroyed. UNAMA later confirmed a toll of at least 10 civilian deaths and nine injuries.
The latest strikes come amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan over allegations concerning armed groups operating along the two countries’ border. Pakistan accuses the Taliban authorities of allowing the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory, while Kabul rejects the allegation.
UNAMA said it has documented more than 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries from cross-border armed violence in Afghanistan so far in 2026.