KABUL: Afghan authorities have reported that nine children were killed in Pakistan’s cross-border shelling in Khost province. The incident occurred when artillery fire struck residential areas, causing civilian casualties and widespread panic among local communities.
Officials in Kabul condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and an assault on innocent civilians. They stated that the victims were school-going children caught in the bombardment, and emergency teams were dispatched to provide relief and medical assistance.
The Afghan government has urged Pakistan to halt such actions and respect international norms, warning that repeated violations could escalate tensions between the two countries. Kabul reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its citizens and called on the international community to take note of the incident.
Local residents in Khost expressed grief and anger over the loss of young lives, demanding accountability and stronger measures to protect border communities from future attacks.