Kabul [Afghanistan], February 27 (ANI): Several countries on Friday called for restraint and an immediate ceasefire after fresh cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan along the Durand Line.
The appeals followed overnight strikes by both sides that caused significant damage to military installations and civilian infrastructure and resulted in casualties on both sides of the border.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence said it carried out coordinated airstrikes on Pakistani military targets in response to aerial incursions by Pakistani forces into Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. In a post on X, the ministry said that at approximately 11:00 AM local time its Air Force struck a military camp near Faizabad in Islamabad, a military base in Nowshera, military positions in Jamrud, and additional locations in Abbottabad.
“The aerial operation was successfully executed, targeting key Pakistani military bases, command centres, and strategic facilities,” the ministry said, adding the strikes were in response to incursions conducted the previous night.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was following the situation closely. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, urged all parties to comply with international law, protect civilians, and seek to resolve differences through diplomacy, praising recent mediation efforts by several Member States.
China voiced deep concern, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning calling on both sides to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible. Russia also expressed concern; Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged the countries to abandon confrontation and return to political and diplomatic talks.
Diplomatic engagement continued regionally. The Saudi Press Agency reported that Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud received a phone call from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss regional developments and ways to reduce tensions while safeguarding security and stability.
The developments mark a sharp escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, raising fears of a broader confrontation as the international community presses for immediate de-escalation and dialogue. (ANI)
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