By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS- UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a social media post on Thursday that it had received credible reports that dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes by Pakistan’s military forces in Paktika province, on 24 December.
The Mission has called for an investigation to “ensure accountability, prevent recurrence and uphold victims’ rights”.
It noted that international law obliges military forces to take necessary precautions to prevent civilian harm, including distinguishing between civilians and combatants in operations.
UNICEF also expressed concern over reports that at least 20 children were among those killed in the attack.
Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia said that “Our sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Children are not and must never be a target”.
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