The Russian Embassy in Kabul has expressed deep concern over reports of civilian casualties from recent air strikes in eastern Afghanistan, offering condolences to the victims' families and wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.
In a statement issued on September 23, the embassy did not name a country, but urged all sides to avoid confrontation and resolve differences through dialogue. The appeal came as tensions remained elevated after air strikes in Kunar and Paktika on September 21.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan confirmed that at least three civilians — a man, a woman and a girl — were killed in Kunar and four other people were injured. The civilian toll was also reported by Reuters.
Pakistan's Information Ministry said its operation struck three targets in Afghanistan and killed 28 people it described as militants and suicide bombers. Afghan authorities rejected the Pakistani framing, condemned the strikes and described them as a violation of Afghan sovereignty.
The competing accounts underline the wider dispute between the two neighbours. Islamabad has repeatedly accused armed groups based in Afghanistan of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, while Afghan authorities deny harbouring anti-Pakistan militants.
The Russian statement focused on de-escalation rather than assigning responsibility, calling on the parties to avoid further confrontation and address their differences through dialogue.