India Condemns Pakistan's Airstrikes in Afghanistan, Citing Civilian Casualties
India has issued a strong condemnation of recent airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in Afghanistan, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. The Ministry of External Affairs, through its official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, denounced the attacks as "yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan."
Official Statement and Media Response
In a media query addressed on Saturday, Jaiswal shared a detailed statement on X, emphasizing India's firm stance. He stated, "India condemns the airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected."
Background of the Conflict
The remarks followed accusations from the Afghan Taliban government on Friday, which claimed that Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul and other eastern regions of Afghanistan. According to Afghan officials, these strikes killed at least six civilians and injured 15 others. In response, Kabul announced that its air force targeted military installations near Islamabad and in northwestern Pakistan, escalating the conflict.
Pakistan has denied targeting civilians, asserting that its operations are focused on Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks. Islamabad described the situation as an "open war," raising international concerns about regional stability, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Impact on Civilian Infrastructure
Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reported that Pakistani aircraft also struck fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near the airport in Kandahar. These depots are critical for supplying civilian and United Nations flights, highlighting the broader impact on humanitarian and logistical operations in the region.
Underlying Tensions and Accusations
Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban government of harboring Pakistani militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, which it claims cross the porous border to attack Pakistani forces. Additionally, Islamabad alleges that Kabul is aligning with its archrival, India. The Afghan government denies these accusations, maintaining that it does not support militant activities.
This incident underscores the fragile geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, with India reaffirming its commitment to respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as it adds to existing regional conflicts and could potentially destabilize the area further.
