New Delhi: Russia has expressed concern over the continuing military confrontation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, warning that the violence is affecting civilians, including children. The Russian embassy in Kabul said on X that the latest episode was the Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Helmand and Kunar provinces overnight on October 1, which caused civilian deaths and injuries.
The embassy said the confrontation was a matter of serious concern because of its impact on civilians. The remarks came as tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have escalated again after a series of cross-border clashes, airstrikes and accusations over militant activity.
What happened in Afghanistan on October 1
Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand and eastern Kunar provinces on October 1, saying it had targeted militant hideouts at two locations. According to RNA Media, Pakistan’s information ministry said initial reports indicated that 22 militants had been killed and that large quantities of weapons and ammunition had been destroyed.
The Taliban government disputed Pakistan’s statement and said the strikes had hit civilian areas. Its spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said nine civilians, including women and children, were killed and 11 others injured, and three houses were destroyed.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) later said at least 10 civilians, mostly children, were killed and nine others injured. It called for an end to the fighting and urged both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.
Why Pakistan and Afghanistan are locked in confrontation
The main source of the dispute is Pakistan’s allegation that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghan territory and uses bases there to carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad has repeatedly demanded that Kabul act against the group and has increasingly responded to attacks with military operations across the border.
The Taliban government denies giving space to militants targeting Pakistan and says militancy inside Pakistan is Islamabad’s own security issue. The two sides have also clashed over border security, alleged drone activity and violations of each other’s territory.
The confrontation has become more direct in recent months, with Pakistan carrying out repeated airstrikes inside Afghanistan and Afghan and Pakistani forces clashing along the border. The dispute had seen a period of relative calm before violence intensified again in September.
Pakistan’s position is that its operations target armed groups responsible for attacks on its citizens. Afghanistan has condemned the strikes as violations of its sovereignty, particularly when civilians are reported killed or injured.