UNAMA: Most Victims of Today’s Pakistani Strikes on Kunar and Helmand Are Children
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says at least 10 civilians were killed and nine others injured in Pakistani airstrikes on Kunar and Helmand provinces today. Most of those killed were children.
UNAMA said on Thursday (1 October) that civilians continue to bear the brunt of cross-border hostilities and once again called for de-escalation, dialogue, respect for international law and measures to prevent further harm to civilians.
The Taliban had earlier put the toll from the strikes at nine dead and 11 injured, saying women and children were among the victims. According to Taliban officials, three houses were also destroyed in the attacks.
According to the information released, the strikes were carried out in the Chogam area of Sheltan district in Kunar and the Safar area of Garmsir district in Helmand.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information said the strikes were carried out on the basis of “credible intelligence”, targeting two hideouts of armed individuals and killing 22 militants. Islamabad also said precautions had been taken to prevent civilian casualties.
However, UNAMA’s confirmation that at least 10 civilians were killed, most of them children, raises serious questions about Pakistan’s claim that it took measures to prevent harm to civilians.
