OCHA: Clashes Between Taliban and Pakistan Increase Humanitarian Needs in Afghanistan
Tawazon – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)says that the recent escalation of clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan has increased humanitarian needs in Afghanistan.
According to the report, seven people were killed and 79 others injured in a recent attack in Kunar.
OCHA noted that although violence had decreased in recent weeks,it has now intensified again.
The organization noted that in early April, delegations from both sides held talks in China on a comprehensive peace plan.
The report adds that in recent days, some attacks have targeted civilian areas in Afghanistan.
OCHA said that between April 19 and 21, several mortar rounds were fired in Kunar, damaging a school, a health center and a telecommunications site.
In another incident, Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University in Asadabad was also targeted.
OCHA further reported that at least 19 health centers in eastern Afghanistan have been closed or are operating at limited capacity.
This situation has affected access to healthcare for around 78000 people.
Some districts in Kunar and Nangarhar are also facing access restrictions due to security concerns and the risk of unexploded ordnance.
Following these developments, the Taliban summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul.
OCHA has warned that continud clashes are severely impacting civilian infrastructure and health services in eastern Afghanistan.