Kabul: The UN mission in Afghanistan reported that it has received 'credible reports' indicating that at least 13 civilians were killed and seven others injured during Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan. The UN mission noted that these casualties, which included women and children, occurred in Nangarhar province.

According to Anadolu Agency, the airstrikes also impacted Paktika province, where a madrassa was hit, partially damaging a mosque and a house, though no civilian casualties were immediately reported in that area. The UN mission has urged both parties to cease hostilities and prioritize the protection of civilians.

Pakistani military jets conducted the airstrikes in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan early Sunday, targeting what Islamabad described as militant hideouts. Afghan officials, however, alleged that civilians were among those killed in the strikes and promised retaliation.

Pakistan's deputy interior minister, Talal Chaudhry, informed local broadcaster Geo News that preliminary reports suggested at least 70 'terrorists' were killed in the operation. Meanwhile, Enayatullah Khwarazmi, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Defense Ministry, and government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that dozens of women and children were among the casualties.

Militant violence in Pakistan has surged in recent years, with much of the blame placed on the Pakistani Taliban and outlawed Baloch separatist groups. Islamabad accuses the Pakistani Taliban of having bases in Afghanistan, a claim that the Taliban-led government in Kabul has consistently denied.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained since deadly clashes occurred last October. Although a ceasefire mediated by Qatar largely remained in place, subsequent negotiations in Istanbul failed to reach a formal agreement.