- At least 7 people were killed and 75 injured in an air strike on a university in Afghanistan’s Kunar province.
- The assault involved multiple explosions on the campus grounds and has been blamed on neighboring Pakistan.
- The incident marks a significant escalation in cross-border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- The targeted university had no military presence, despite being located in a region frequently affected by militant activity.
- Hospitals in Asadabad are overwhelmed with the injured, many suffering from shrapnel wounds and burns.
At least seven people have been killed and 75 injured in air attacks targeting a university in Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province, according to local health officials and eyewitnesses speaking to the BBC. The assault, believed to have occurred in the early morning hours, involved multiple explosions on the campus grounds. Afghan authorities have accused Pakistan of carrying out the strikes, marking a significant escalation in cross-border tensions. The incident took place in a region frequently affected by militant activity, though officials insist the targeted site housed no military presence.
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Mounting Civilian Toll and Diplomatic Outcry
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Hospitals in Asadabad, the provincial capital, are overwhelmed with the injured, many suffering from shrapnel wounds and burns. Medical staff report that several victims are students and faculty members. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a formal condemnation, labeling the attack a violation of international law and national sovereignty. The Taliban-led government, which controls Afghanistan, summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul to demand an explanation. Pakistan has not yet issued an official statement, though past operations have targeted alleged militant hideouts across the border. The BBC has verified video footage showing damaged university buildings and emergency responders at the site.
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Historical Tensions and Border Conflict
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Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have long been strained over the 2,640-kilometer Durand Line, a colonial-era border not officially recognized by Kabul. Both nations have accused each other of harboring insurgents, with Pakistan often citing the presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghan territory. In 2022, Pakistan conducted what it called “surgical strikes” in Afghanistan, prompting similar diplomatic protests. The current attack underscores the volatile nature of regional security dynamics, particularly as Afghanistan remains isolated internationally under Taliban rule.
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What to Watch
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Diplomatic channels are expected to intensify in the coming days, with Afghanistan likely to raise the issue at the United Nations. Analysts warn of potential retaliatory actions or increased militant activity along the border. The international community, particularly China and the Gulf states, may be called upon to mediate. Any confirmation from Pakistan could redefine bilateral relations and prompt urgent regional security talks.
Source: BBC