UNAMA: 19 Civilians Killed or Injured in Pakistani Strikes on Kunar and Helmand

DID Press: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that at least 10 civilians were killed and nine others injured in airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces.

According to UNAMA, most of those killed were children. The UN mission said civilians continue to suffer from cross-border violence and called for an immediate reduction in tensions.

UNAMA again urged the parties to pursue dialogue, respect international law and take measures to prevent further harm to civilians. The mission has previously documented significant civilian casualties from cross-border violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pakistan, meanwhile, said its latest strikes inside Afghanistan targeted militant hideouts. Pakistan’s Information Ministry claimed that 22 militants were killed and weapons and ammunition were destroyed. Reuters and AP reported that the competing casualty claims could not be independently verified.