In a sharp escalation along the volatile Afghan-Pakistani border, Pakistani artillery fire has turned to civilian heartlands in Kunar province, demolishing schools, a medical clinic, and mosques while killing three and injuring 14. Taliban authorities in Dangam district disclosed the grim toll on Monday, highlighting a dangerous pivot in Pakistan’s military strategy.
District leader Mohammad Omar Sadik charged that Pakistan’s forces, faltering in precision strikes, now indiscriminately target populated zones. The attacks wiped out 80 animals essential to local livelihoods and mark the 12th school destroyed in Kunar, crippling education for thousands. No specific timing was released, but the destruction was confirmed by Afghanistan International.
Afghanistan’s diplomatic response was swift: on April 28, the Foreign Ministry hauled in Pakistan’s embassy deputy to decry assaults on infrastructure near the disputed Durand Line and a central university. Labeling the actions provocative and contrary to global norms, Kabul demanded an end to such ‘irresponsible’ behavior, reserving the right to protect its territory.
Recent weeks have seen similar horrors—seven dead and 75 hurt in Asadabad and Sarkano, with homes and the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University hit hard. With both nations trading blame for sowing chaos, the fragile border peace hangs by a thread, raising fears of a wider conflict.
