Kabul, October 15 (NationPress) Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed grave concern on Wednesday regarding the alarming number of civilian casualties and the ongoing confrontations between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces. He called on all involved parties to show utmost restraint, safeguard civilian lives, and adhere strictly to international law.

In a statement shared on X, Bennett remarked, 'I am profoundly troubled by reports of significant civilian casualties and displacement resulting from the ongoing armed conflicts along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. I implore all parties to exercise the highest restraint, protect civilians, and comply with international law.'

This statement followed comments from Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who indicated that 12 Afghan civilians were killed and over 100 others injured due to assaults launched by Pakistani forces in the Spin Boldak district of southern Kandahar province on Wednesday.

Mujahid reported that Pakistani forces initiated an attack on the border district early in the morning, utilizing both light and heavy weaponry. He noted that multiple Pakistani soldiers were killed in the Afghan forces' retaliatory response, as reported by Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press.

'Regrettably, this morning, Pakistani forces again launched attacks with light and heavy weapons on Afghanistan in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar, resulting in over 12 civilian deaths and more than 100 injuries. Subsequently, Afghan forces were compelled to respond,' Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted.

'In our counter-offensive operations, several Pakistani aggressor soldiers were killed, their positions were overtaken, and weapons and tanks were seized by Afghan forces, leading to the destruction of many of their military facilities. However, the mujahideen remain resolute and ready to defend their homeland, sanctuaries, and citizens,' he continued.

As reported by Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press, Taliban officials stated that the skirmishes between the forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan commenced around 4 am local time and persisted until 8 am. Local sources indicated that these clashes resulted in casualties on both sides and inflicted damage on nearby civilian areas.

Medical personnel in Kandahar reported that at least 25 bodies and over 80 injuries were treated in hospitals following the attack. Officials mentioned that many of the injured included women and children from residential neighborhoods near the border.

In the meantime, Pakistani media claimed that 20 Taliban fighters were killed, with several others injured after Pakistani forces successfully repelled a Taliban attack in Balochistan, according to Khaama Press. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have been making varying claims regarding casualties and accountability for the recent violence.

This incident occurred amid rising border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan following a series of clashes and airstrikes in the preceding days.

On October 12, Mujahid claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 30 others wounded during a retaliatory operation conducted by Afghan forces along the Durand Line, as reported by Afghanistan-based Tolo News. He stated that 20 Pakistani security outposts were destroyed, and numerous weapons were confiscated during the operation on Saturday night.