Afghanistan condemns cross-border shelling by Pakistani military

KABUL: (MEP) – The interior ministry of Afghanistan strongly condemned the recent cross-border shelling by Pakistani military in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan.

Interior minister of Afghanistan said Wednesday that the Pakistani military has fired at least 21 artillery shells in Kunar province which landed in populated areas.

“Based on information received form Kunar Police, the Pakistan military has again fired some 21 artillery shells on Afghan soil,” interior ministry said following a statement.

The statement further added, “These firing have hit populated areas in Siyan and Khara areas of Dangam district, eastern Kunar province. No causality has been reported.”

“Whereas, in the past there has been causality to people and severe damages to their property as a result of these illegal rocket shelling,” the statement added.

Interior ministry said the shelling by Pakistani military is an obvious violation and demanded an immediate halt to cross-border shelling.

The Pakistani military has been shelling eastern provinces of Afghanistan including Kunar and Nuristan during the recent years.

Local officials and residents in Kunar and Nuristan province have said that dozens of people have been killed or injured following the cross-border shelling.

The cross-border shelling by Pakistani military also resulted into clashes between the Afghan and Pakistani forces last year.