Kabul, Feb 27 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed serious concern regarding the escalating conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, warning that such clashes pose a significant risk to regional stability. He has called for both nations to initiate dialogue and prioritize the protection of civilians, as reported by local media on Friday.

Guterres emphasized the need for Afghanistan and Pakistan to avoid escalating military confrontations and to address their disputes through diplomatic means, while also fulfilling their international obligations, particularly concerning the safety of their citizens, according to Khaama Press, a major Afghan news agency.

On the night of Thursday, Pakistan commenced “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq” (Righteous Fury) in retaliation to what it characterized as “unprovoked firing” from Afghan forces across various border sectors, as reported by Dawn, a leading daily in Pakistan.

In response, the Afghan Ministry of National Defence announced on Friday that Afghan forces had executed counter-strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in the deaths of at least 55 Pakistani soldiers and the capture of two military bases along with 19 posts. These actions are part of a backdrop of rising tensions in the border region.

The Ministry noted that these attacks were a direct response to Pakistan’s military actions within Afghan territory, which reportedly led to the deaths of women and children. The Afghan retaliatory operation specifically targeted Pakistani military positions in the eastern and southeastern regions across the Durand Line.

During these confrontations, the Afghan Ministry reported the destruction of two Pakistani military installations and 19 posts, compelling soldiers to abandon four additional posts. Over the course of the four-hour engagement, 55 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives, several were captured, while others managed to escape.

“In the course of these operations, Afghan forces seized numerous light and heavy weapons, ammunition, and military supplies. Furthermore, a Pakistani tank was destroyed, and a substantial military transport vehicle was captured,” stated the Ministry.

The Afghan forces faced losses as well, with eight soldiers killed and another eleven injured during the operation.

Additionally, the Ministry reported that 13 Afghan civilians, including women and children, sustained injuries due to a missile attack from Pakistani forces on a refugee camp located in the Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The Taliban has recently condemned Pakistan for its airstrikes against Afghanistan, labeling them as a “shameful act” and hinting at a potential military response, claiming that Islamabad targeted civilians rather than militants.

In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “A military response is naturally expected, although specific details remain confidential. Pakistan must be held accountable for its shameful actions.”

On February 22, Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence accused the Pakistani military of conducting deadly airstrikes in several residential areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, resulting in multiple civilian casualties. Islamabad has countered that its operations were aimed at militant groups responsible for attacks within Pakistan.

Mujahid reported that a family of 22 was affected in Nangarhar, with 17 fatalities and five injuries, including a child injured from a school strike, alongside extensive property damage.

He asserted, “No armed individuals were present. Only innocent civilians suffered injuries and fatalities, and civilian locales were unjustly targeted.”

Mujahid dismissed Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan territory is being utilized for attacks against neighboring countries, stating, “Regrettably, whenever attacks occur within Pakistan, they hastily attribute blame to Afghanistan without evidence. We categorically reject this notion. Afghan land will not be used against anyone,” he affirmed during his interview with Al Arabiya English.