Kabul/Islamabad The United Nations has welcomed the announcement of a 48-hour ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan following a week of deadly cross-border clashes and airstrikes. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called for a permanent end to hostilities and emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians.
đź”´ Escalation and Civilian Toll:
- Violence Since 10 October: Armed clashes intensified, particularly in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar, where Taliban forces and the Pakistani military engaged in heavy fighting.
- Casualties: At least 17 civilians were killed and 346 injured in Spin Boldak alone. Additional casualties were reported in Paktika, Patkya, Kunar, and Helmand provinces.
- UNAMA’s Warning: The mission urged both sides to uphold international humanitarian law, including principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
🕊️ UN Calls for Durable Peace:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and called for a “durable end to the fighting.” UNAMA echoed this, stressing that protecting civilians must be the top priority and that both parties must prevent further loss of life.
The ceasefire follows deteriorating relations between the two countries, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants a claim denied by the Taliban authorities.
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