Renewed border clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces have worsened humanitarian conditions in eastern Afghanistan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported. At least seven people were killed and 79 injured in airstrikes and shelling in Asadabad city and Kunar province on April 27, damaging civilian infrastructure including a fuel station, university dormitory, religious office, and drug rehabilitation centre. OCHA noted that over 10,000 people have been displaced since February across provinces such as Kunar, Nangarhar, and Khost, with limited access to shelter, food, and medical care. Nineteen health facilities have shut or reduced operations, affecting 78,000 people, while disrupted water systems and damaged schools have left more than 13,000 students without access to education.
Aid agencies stressed the urgent need for relief and reconstruction, warning that insecurity and restricted humanitarian access are delaying recovery. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated in recent months, with Kabul summoning Pakistan’s envoy to protest attacks on civilian targets and accusing Islamabad of violating Afghan airspace and territorial integrity. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes as provocative acts, rejected allegations that Afghan forces initiated the escalation, and reiterated its right to defend its soil and people. The ministry warned that continued “irresponsible actions” by Pakistan could have “undesirable consequences,” underscoring the risk of further instability in the region.