UN welcomes ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan

UN welcomes ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan
UN welcomes ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) issued a statement celebrating the ceasefire between both sides announced on Wednesday after a week of cross-border clashes and airstrikes in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

The temporary truce will last 48 hours, according to media reports.

Afghanistan has been under Taliban rule since 2021 and relations between the neighboring countries have deteriorated since then.

Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants who have carried out attacks on its territory, which the de facto The authorities have denied it.

End violence

“Since October 10, cross-border armed violence has increased significantly between the two sides, killing and injuring dozens of civilians,” UNAMA said.

The Mission received credible reports of significant civilian casualties, including women and children, due to violence.

The highest numbers were in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan, where heavy fighting took place on Wednesday between Taliban security forces and the Pakistani army.

Although UNAMA is still assessing the exact number of civilian casualties, information indicates that at least 17 people were killed and 346 injured in Spin Boldak.

It also documented at least one civilian death and 15 injuries as a result of previous cross-border clashes in Paktika, Patkya, Kunar and Helmand provinces.

UNAMA urges all parties to bring a lasting end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.”the statement said.

The parties were also reminded of their obligations to comply with the key principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution to avoid civilian casualties, in accordance with international law.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also welcomed the announcement of the temporary ceasefire and called on the parties to agree to a lasting end to the fighting.

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