Afghan officials have reported that mortars and missiles fired from Pakistan struck a university and civilian homes in northeastern Afghanistan on Monday, killing at least seven people and wounding 85 others. The attack marks the first significant violent incident since Chinese-mediated peace talks between the two nations earlier this month.
Details of the Attack
The strikes targeted the city of Asadabad, the capital of Kunar Province, as well as surrounding areas. Najibullah Hanafi, the Kunar Information and Culture Director, confirmed the death toll and injuries. Among the wounded were women, children, and students at the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University. Afghanistan's Ministry of Higher Education reported that approximately 30 students and professors were injured, and the university buildings and grounds sustained extensive damage.
Pakistan's Response
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dismissed the allegations as a “blatant lie,” stating that its targeting is precise and intelligence-based. The ministry asserted, “No strike has been carried out on Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University. The claims are frivolous and fake.” Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which carries out attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies these charges.
Context of the Conflict
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense for months, with deadly cross-border clashes since late February. The violence escalated after Afghanistan launched a retaliatory attack following Pakistani airstrikes, prompting Islamabad to declare an open war. The conflict has alarmed the international community and displaced 94,000 people, according to the UN.
Peace talks mediated by China in Urumqi in early April led to an agreement not to escalate the conflict. However, Monday's strikes highlight the fragility of these efforts. Other mediators have included Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. A temporary truce for Eid al-Fitr in March had largely subsided the fighting, but sporadic clashes continued even during the talks.
Official Statements
Afghan deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat described the attack as “an unforgivable war crime, barbarity, and provocative act.” Meanwhile, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqi had characterized the recent negotiations as “positive” and emphasized the sensitivity of issues between the two neighboring Islamic countries.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
