Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, has strongly condemned the recent bombings held in Paktika province by Pakistan’s military, which are said to have killed Afghan civilians, including women and children. In a social media statement, Bennett said, “I deplore the killing of Afghan civilians, including women and children, in reported airstrikes by Pakistan’s military in Paktika province on 24 December” and underlined the necessity of an inquiry to guarantee responsibility and compliance with human rights standards.
Following reliable claims that hundreds of civilians were killed during these bombings, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has also demanded an investigation. According to the Taliban leadership, 46 people—many of them were Waziristan refugees—were killed in the strikes. UNAMA reaffirmed that all parties are required by international law to protect non-combatants during conflicts and that military operations must take the appropriate steps to avoid harming civilians.
The Afghan government responded to the attacks by denouncing them as a ruthless disregard for civilian lives and a violation of sovereignty. Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have increased as a result of the crisis, with both countries accusing one another of being responsible for the violence and its effects on regional security.
