Kabul accuses Pakistan of missile attack killing 4, wounding 70

Afghanistan’s deputy government spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, accused Pakistan on Monday of launching a missile attack on northeastern Kunar province that killed at least four civilians and wounded 70 others. In a statement, Fitrat said Pakistan “once again conducted artillery shelling using mortars and rockets against multiple areas of Asadabad, the provincial capital of Kunar, as well as parts of Manogai district” at 2:00 p.m. local time (0930GMT). He claimed that residences and Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University were hit, with 30 students among the injured. Fitrat called the attacks “grave and inexcusable war crimes” and a “blatant act of brutality.”

Pakistan’s denial

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting swiftly denied the allegation, calling it a “blatant lie and an attempt to gain sympathy to cover up support by Afghan Taliban to Fitna Al Khwarij”—Islamabad’s term for anti-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban militants. “Pakistan's targeting is precise and intelligence based. No strike has been carried out on Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University. The claims are frivolous and fake,” the ministry said. The claims from both sides could not be independently verified.

Border tensions and mediation

Pakistan and Afghanistan saw some of their worst border clashes in March, leaving hundreds dead on both sides. The fighting stopped after a ceasefire on the eve of Eid al-Fitr (March 18), following requests from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Later, officials from both countries held week-long talks mediated by China in Urumqi. According to Beijing, Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to “discuss a comprehensive plan to resolve issues” affecting ties. For Türkiye, which has close relations with both nations and has previously mediated between them, the renewed allegations are a setback. Ankara has offered to host reconciliation talks and has called for restraint on both sides.