At least 42 civilians have died and 104 others have been wounded in the latest fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) has confirmed.

 

According to Reuters, UNAMA said the casualties were recorded between February 26 and March 2 as clashes between the two neighbouring countries intensified. The agency described the figures as preliminary and warned that the toll could rise as assessments continue.

 

The fighting, now in its sixth day, is considered the worst escalation between the two countries in recent years. Afghan authorities claim they have captured another Pakistani military post in the Kandahar region, saying hostilities are still ongoing. On the other hand, Pakistani security sources reported that their forces carried out successful air operations targeting Taliban military positions in Nangarhar province, Reuters reported.

 

Islamabad has maintained that it launched air-to-ground missile strikes in response to militant attacks allegedly planned from Afghan territory. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of harbouring militants responsible for cross-border violence, a charge Kabul has denied.

 

Speaking during a joint session of parliament, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan would not allow its territory or neighbouring areas to be used to destabilise the country. According to Reuters, he stressed that Pakistan’s sovereignty would be protected against both domestic and foreign threats.

 

UNAMA has called for an immediate halt to the fighting, warning that civilians are paying the highest price. The agency said indirect fire during cross-border clashes and airstrikes were among the main causes of civilian deaths.

 

The violence has displaced an estimated 16,400 households, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation. According to Reuters, aid agencies are struggling to reach affected communities due to movement restrictions and ongoing security risks in border areas.

 

The renewed conflict comes as Afghanistan continues to recover from devastating earthquakes in August and September last year that killed more than 1,400 people, further straining resources and humanitarian efforts.

 

Both sides have claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on each other’s military facilities and personnel. However, Reuters reported that these battlefield claims could not be independently verified.

 

The United Nations has urged both governments to prioritise civilian protection and create conditions that allow humanitarian assistance to reach affected populations without delay.