Casualties Reported in Kunar Province Attacks
Pakistani attacks on Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province have resulted in at least seven deaths and 75 injuries, including students and a professor at Kunar University, multiple sources have informed the BBC.
The Taliban government stated that 30 of those injured are university students.
Denial from Pakistan's Information Ministry
Pakistan's information ministry has denied conducting attacks on the university and residential areas, labeling the reports as fake.
Context of Recent Cross-Border Strikes
The reports of the Kunar attacks follow a Pakistani air strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul several weeks prior, which the United Nations has confirmed resulted in 269 fatalities.
The Taliban reported that mortars and rockets were used in the Kunar attack, while other sources told the BBC that jets and drones were involved.
Eyewitness Accounts from Kunar University
An unnamed professor teaching at Kunar University described hearing terrifying explosions across the campus.
Matiullah Shahab, a freelance journalist and human rights activist based in Asadabad, approximately one kilometre from the university, reported hearing bombardment sounds around 14:00 local time (09:30 GMT).
"I had been a kilometre away from the attack on the university and had heard the sound of a bombardment at around 14:00 (09:30 GMT)."
He also observed people fleeing the town centre during the attack and confirmed that several civilians were injured and hospitalized.
Damage to University Infrastructure
A statement from Afghanistan's higher education ministry indicated that the university buildings and surrounding areas sustained extensive damage.
Ongoing Cross-Border Conflict and Ceasefire Efforts
Hundreds have been killed or injured in recent months due to cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Following Chinese mediation that led to talks in Urumqi in early April, a fragile ceasefire had mostly held in recent weeks.
During this ceasefire, Taliban leaders refrained from publicly commenting on Pakistan or its previous air strikes to avoid jeopardizing negotiations.
Taliban Break Silence on Kunar Attacks
This silence was broken when the Taliban government's deputy spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, condemned the strikes on Kunar.
"They regard the strikes on Kunar as 'grave and inexcusable war crimes, a blatant act of brutality, and a provocative action'."
Pakistan's Position and Regional Relations
Pakistan, which has also acted as a mediator in the Iran-US conflict, has stated that its air strikes target militant hideouts within Afghanistan.
Historically, Pakistan was a major supporter of the Taliban; however, relations deteriorated after Islamabad accused the Taliban of harboring the Pakistan Taliban group, which has conducted an armed insurgency against Pakistani government forces.
