Tragic Rocket Attack in Afghanistan's Kunar: One Dead, 16 Injured
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kabul, March 30 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred in Afghanistan's Kunar province where one individual lost their life and 16 others sustained injuries due to rocket and heavy artillery bombardments by Pakistani forces, as reported by local media on Monday, citing authorities.
The artillery strikes targeted areas around Asadabad and adjacent homes, igniting concerns about a potential escalation along the border.
According to Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, the assault on civilian residences took place around 5 p.m. (local time) on Sunday. He confirmed that the wounded were swiftly transported to medical facilities for care, as per Afghanistan's prominent news outlet Khaama Press. He accused Pakistan of targeting civilian zones near the frontier.
This latest aggression follows a resurgence of hostilities along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border after a brief ceasefire during Eid. Islamabad has claimed that its military operations are aimed at militants exploiting Afghan territory to launch attacks within Pakistan, a statement the Taliban has firmly dismissed.
Recently, tensions have surged between Afghanistan and Pakistan, characterized by airstrikes, artillery shelling, and mutual accusations.
In related news, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary Arbab Shehzad Khan announced on Saturday that a peace jirga is set to convene in Peshawar on March 31. The gathering aims to call upon the leadership of both countries to alleviate tensions and strive for peace, as reported by local media.
During a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Khan, who leads Aspire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alongside Qaumi Islahi Tehreek, stated that national and political figures, tribal elders, religious leaders, civil society members, traders, and media representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghan expatriates in Pakistan would be involved in the discussions, according to Pakistan's leading daily Dawn.
Khan underscored that warfare is not a viable solution and that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue. He added that the forum would prioritize fostering enduring peace through mutual respect, confidence-building initiatives, and negotiations. The jirga aims to establish a unified approach to promote peace, stability, and dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Upon concluding the jirga, a joint declaration advocating for peace will be drafted and forwarded to the governments of both nations.