The Kabul Tribune (KT) — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the latest hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians.
Speaking at a news briefing, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane
Dujarric said Guterres urged both countries to resolve their differences
through diplomacy and reiterated that all parties must uphold their obligations
under international humanitarian law.
"We continue to call on all parties to uphold their
obligations under international humanitarian law and continue to stress that
civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times,"
Dujarric said.
He cited the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
as confirming that Pakistani airstrikes carried out overnight in the provinces
of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar killed and injured numerous civilians.
Dujarric added that the latest attacks had also reportedly
displaced residents, while U.N. humanitarian agencies and their partners were
assessing conditions on the ground and preparing to provide emergency
assistance to those affected.
Pakistan said Monday it targeted militant hideouts inside
Afghanistan following multiple attacks it described as terrorist incidents on
its territory. Taliban authorities, however, said the strikes killed dozens of
civilians.
