Britain Deeply Concerned About Civilian Casualties in Taliban-Pakistan Conflict

Britain has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both sides to take immediate steps to reduce violence and protect civilians.

The British Foreign Office issued a statement on Friday, February 27, stating that London is deeply worried about the increasing clashes between the two sides. Yvette Cooper, British Foreign Secretary, called on the Taliban and Pakistan to take necessary measures to prevent further harm to civilians and to pursue dialogue through diplomatic channels to avert a wider regional crisis.

The statement comes amid reports of cross-border strikes. The Taliban announced overnight that they attacked Pakistani border posts in retaliation for Pakistan's airstrikes several nights earlier, which they said caused civilian casualties in parts of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Pakistan stated overnight that the Taliban had committed a "grave mistake," claiming their airstrikes targeted Taliban positions in parts of Kabul, Paktika, and Kandahar provinces.

Local sources in Paktia province reported that the bombings resulted in casualties among children, women, and other civilians.

Russia, China, and Iran have also called for the disputes to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, and for an end to the violence.