Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense Claims Capture of Pakistani Military Post in Kunar and Nangarhar

Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense announced that its forces captured a Pakistani military post along the fictitious Durand line in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. The operation, conducted in response to "crimes of the Pakistani military regime," resulted in 14 Pakistani soldiers killed and 11 wounded, according to ministry officials. They added that one armored tank and one "International" type vehicle were destroyed during the clash.

Ministry officials emphasized that the country's defense forces are ready to respond to any threats along the border.

India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned recent Pakistani airstrikes on parts of Afghanistan, stating they caused civilian deaths and destruction of infrastructure. He described the attacks as another example of Pakistan's aggression hostile to Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. India reiterated that Afghanistan's sovereignty must be fully respected.

The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on extending the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for three months until June 17. The draft resolution highlights concerns over the human rights situation, particularly restrictions on women and girls, and urges the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to lift them. It also stresses continuing UNAMA's field presence, addressing development needs, combating terrorism and supporting demining.

The Islamic Emirate has previously criticized UNAMA's performance, saying its reports present an incorrect picture of Afghanistan to the world.

China initially proposed a one-year extension, while the United States advocated a shorter term to allow for a comprehensive review of the mission's appropriateness.

The Norwegian Refugee Council reported that clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan since February 26 have displaced more than 115,000 civilians, mainly in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. In the first eight days of fighting, 56 civilians were killed, 129 wounded and at least 826 houses damaged or destroyed. Displaced families, particularly the elderly, women and children, have limited access to clean water, health services and education.