The European Union has issued a statement expressing regret for the civilian casualties in recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Kunar and Helmand provinces and has called on the Taliban authorities to take action against terrorist groups.
The statement, released on Friday, asserts that the Taliban government must take serious and effective measures against groups "operating in or from the territory of Afghanistan."
The EU also urged both the Taliban and Pakistani authorities to exercise restraint, prevent further escalation of tensions, and turn to dialogue to resolve existing problems. The statement emphasized the importance of peacefully resolving disputes.
The international body called on all involved parties to respect international humanitarian law and to protect civilians during conflicts. This call follows reports of civilian casualties in the Pakistani strikes.
The statement comes at a time of heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad over the presence of groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil. Pakistan claims these groups use Afghanistan to plan attacks in Pakistan, an allegation the Taliban government has consistently denied.
Pakistan's recent airstrikes inside Afghan territory were met with a sharp reaction from the Taliban government, which called them a violation of Afghanistan's national sovereignty. The international community is concerned that escalating tensions could lead to further instability in the region.
The European Union and other international actors are closely monitoring the situation, urging both sides to work through diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions and find a sustainable solution.
Source: EU Statement
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