Kabul, 18 October (H.S.): Pakistan conducted extensive overnight airstrikes across multiple regions of Afghanistan, resulting in numerous casualties, including eight domestic cricket players and many civilians. The assaults, which struck the provinces of Paktika and Kabul among other areas, have sharply escalated tensions along the border, occurring amid an extended temporary ceasefire agreement forged during peace talks in Doha.

According to a Saturday report from The Balochistan Post, the Pakistani military targeted several areas in the Argun and Birmal districts of Paktika province. Eight cricketers were killed in the strikes as they were returning from the provincial center. Afghan Cricket Board sources confirmed the players were targeted en route to their home district. Reports indicate that women and children are among the dead and wounded in these attacks, which largely hit residential zones.

In the capital, Kabul, a report from TOLOnews detailed significant damage, with dozens of homes and a school destroyed. Abdul Rahim, a 50-year-old resident, found his home devastated, though his family was not present during the attack.

Another resident, Habibullah, reported that a rocket struck his house, which is adjacent to a school serving over 500 children that was also hit.Over the past 48 hours, TOLOnews reports that these attacks have killed at least 40 people and injured 170. Local officials assert that civilian residences were directly targeted, causing substantial loss of life and property.

Karimullah Zubair Agha, the public health chief in Spin Boldak, described the number of civilian casualties as very high. Survivors have accused Pakistan of violating the rules of war by deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, with Pakistani artillery also shelling residential homes in areas including Nokli, Shorabak, and Wardak.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar