Taliban officials report 110 civilians killed in Pakistani strikes as clashes enter sixth day

Hamadullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated at a press conference that Pakistani airstrikes and missile attacks have killed 110 civilians, including 65 women and children, and wounded 123 others, primarily women and children. He said the strikes affected provinces including Nangarhar, Khost, Kunar, Paktika, Paktia and Kandahar, destroying 37 houses completely, partially damaging 316 others, and affecting 1,200 shops, one clinic, 19 mosques and one religious school. Fitrat added that 8,000 families have been displaced and that refugee camps in Kandahar, Torkham in Nangarhar and Kunar were targeted. He noted airspace violations over Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, Khost and Paktika.

Enayatullah Khawarzmi, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate's Ministry of Defense, reported 25 clashes in the past 24 hours during Operation 'Rid al-Zulm,' killing four Pakistani soldiers and destroying 13 posts. Overall, he claimed 150 Pakistani soldiers killed, over 200 wounded and 40 posts captured since the fighting began. Khawarzmi said 28 Afghan forces were killed and 42 wounded, with three Pakistani drones downed. Fitrat echoed that the Islamic Emirate does not seek war but will respond if attacks continue, and it does not support armed groups operating against other countries.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported 42 civilians killed and 104 wounded from February 26 to March 2, in Paktia, Nangarhar, Kunar, Khost, Paktika and Kandahar due to cross-border shelling and airstrikes. UNAMA urged both sides to halt hostilities and protect civilians. Hasht-e Subh noted Pakistan claims 430 Taliban fighters killed, while some sources mentioned strikes near Kabul airport and Darulaman.

Pakistan has stated its strikes targeted Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan sites at 51 locations. The Islamic Emirate has contacted China, Russia, the EU and Britain to help resolve tensions. Clashes began late February 26 and continue into the sixth day.