UN Chief calls on Afghanistan, Pakistan to reduce tensions, maintain peace

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over escalating border clashes and violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging both countries to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace.

In a statement on Friday (February 27), Guterres emphasised that protecting civilians should be the top priority for both sides amid the ongoing conflict.

He noted that recent deadly clashes along the border have caused widespread fear among local populations.

Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several captured during a counter-operation along the border, which ended at midnight (local time) on the orders of Army Chief Fasihuddin Fitrat.

Afghan forces also reportedly seized hundreds of weapons and captured two Pakistani army headquarters and 19 check posts. Eight Afghan soldiers were killed and 11 injured in the clashes.

Pakistan, meanwhile, claimed that 72 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed in the ongoing clashes, and two Pakistani security personnel lost their lives.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Guterres is closely monitoring reports of retaliatory attacks along the border and has called on both countries to fully comply with international law.

Source: Anadolu Ajansi