Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of killing civilians in cross-border war crime

Ceasefire under strain
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has accused Pakistan of carrying out a cross-border attack that killed three civilians, describing the incident as a “war crime” and warning of escalating tensions between the two countries.

The incident, which took place on Monday, has put fresh strain on a fragile ceasefire agreed in April with mediation support from China. The truce had followed months of clashes along the border that resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

Civilian casualties and damage claims
Afghanistan’s deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said the attack also left 14 people injured. He accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in Dangam district of Kunar province, including homes, schools, a health centre, and mosques. The region lies along the volatile border shared by the two countries.

Pakistan denies allegations
Pakistan has strongly rejected the allegations. Its Ministry of Information and Broadcasting questioned the authenticity of the claims, suggesting that the damage shown in images released by Afghanistan did not match the impact of artillery strikes. Officials in Islamabad described the accusations as part of a possible propaganda effort aimed at discrediting Pakistan.

Rising tensions and security concerns
Tensions have been rising in recent months following earlier cross-border incidents in March and April that left at least nine people dead. Pakistan had blamed those attacks on militants operating from Afghan territory.

Meanwhile, violence has also continued inside Pakistan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghan border, one person was killed when security forces intercepted a suspected suicide attacker at a checkpoint. The attacker’s vehicle, packed with explosives, detonated before reaching its target, injuring several others in the process.

Expert analysis and regional outlook
Security analysts say the situation remains complex. Muhammad Amir Rana, director of the Pak Institute for Peace Studies, noted that Pakistan faces challenges in conducting precise cross-border operations, particularly due to gaps in intelligence. He added that controlling civilian casualties remains a major concern in such operations.

Rana also pointed out that Pakistan’s internal security environment has worsened in recent months, further complicating its regional posture. He expressed doubt about the chances of a near-term diplomatic breakthrough, citing hardened positions on both sides.

Ongoing accusations and uncertainty
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing safe haven to the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, an armed group involved in attacks against the Pakistani state. Kabul has consistently denied these claims.

The latest incident underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and highlights the ongoing mistrust between the two neighbouring countries, raising concerns about further escalation along their shared border.