Kabul, Oct 17 (NVI) Violating the ceasefire, Pakistan again carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan tonight, killing over 15 civilians, including women, children and 8 club-level cricketers, besides injuring many others.
This blatant action provoked Afghanistan which resorted to firing and shelling on the Pakistani military posts along the border, with reports suggesting killing and wounding of several Pakistani soldiers.
The Pakistani airstrikes targeted civilian areas and residential houses in Argun and Barmal districts of Paktika Province of Afghanistan, reports said.
According to TOLO News outlet of Afghanistan, at least 8 club-level cricketers were killed and 4 injured in the Pakistani strikes in Argun area.
These players had returned to Argun from Sharana, the center of Paktika, after the end of their matches when they were hit by the Pakistani military, it said.
At least 7 civilians, including children and women, were killed and 8 were injured in the bombing on Barmal.
Angered by these strikes, the Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military posts along the border.
There were reports that several Pakistani soldiers have been either killed or injured in this retaliatory action by the Afghan forces.
The details are still trickling in.
It may be recalled that the two neighbours had agreed on a 48-hour ceasefire effective from 5.30 PM Afghanistan Time (6.30 PM India Time) on October 15 after Pakistan requested for it.
The Pakistani request came through Saudi Arabia and Qatar after Afghan forces carried out an intense onslaught on the border, in reaction to the Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan on October 10.
The ceasefire duration was to end this evening but the two sides had agreed to continue it.
However, Pakistan did not respect it and launched brazen airstrikes inside Afghanistan, violating its sovereignty again. (NVI)
