The Russian Embassy in Kabul has expressed deep concern over the ongoing military confrontation between the Taliban government and Pakistan. In a statement on Saturday, October 3, the embassy said these clashes have negatively impacted civilians, especially children.
Referring to Pakistan's recent airstrikes in two Afghan provinces, the statement noted that the attacks caused children to be killed and wounded. However, Russia, one of the few countries with close ties to the Taliban, did not condemn the strikes.
So far, no other country has condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Thursday in Helmand and Kunar provinces. The attacks occurred amid rising tensions between the two sides over the activities of armed groups in the border regions.
On Thursday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that at least nine civilians were killed in the strikes. Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also confirmed that at least 10 civilians lost their lives in the attacks.
In contrast, Pakistan's Ministry of Information and oadcasting announced that the airstrikes were based on "credible intelligence" and targeted two hideouts in Afghanistan, resulting in "22 terrorists" being killed and a large quantity of weapons and ammunition being destroyed.
Russia's concern comes as the country attempts to play a mediating role in the region. Continued tension between Islamabad and Kabul could pose serious challenges to the regional stability that Moscow seeks.
Source: Media reports
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