Afghanistan Says Pakistan Strikes Kill Seven
Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of firing mortars and missiles into eastern Kunar province, killing seven people and injuring at least 85 others in the first major violent incident since recent China-mediated peace talks.
Pakistan Afghanistan Border Strike
Afghan officials said the attack hit Asadabad, the capital of Kunar province, along with nearby civilian areas. The strikes reportedly damaged homes and hit Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University.
Afghanistan’s deputy government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said the wounded included women, children and students. Local officials said around 30 students and professors were among those injured at the university.
Kunar University Attack Raises Tensions
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the fragile situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The two sides had held talks in Urumqi, China, earlier this month and agreed not to escalate the conflict.
The attack marks a serious setback to those efforts, especially after months of cross-border violence that had already killed hundreds and displaced thousands of people.
Pakistan Denies Afghan Strike Claims
Pakistan has rejected Afghanistan’s allegations and denied targeting the university. Pakistani officials described the reports as false and said any military action by Pakistan is precise and intelligence-based.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of sheltering militants linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, which carries out attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies giving safe haven to militant groups.
Peace Talks Face Fresh Pressure
The latest violence has put renewed pressure on regional mediation efforts involving China and other countries. While fighting had reduced after a temporary Eid truce, sporadic clashes continued even during diplomatic talks.
The Kunar strike now threatens to weaken the fragile peace process and deepen mistrust between the two neighbours.
