At least nine civilians were killed and 50 others were wounded in Pakistani forces artillery attacks on “residential areas” in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, on Thursday, the Afghan Defense Ministry said.
The Afghan Army’s Chief of Staff Gen. Yasin Zia directed all Army corps, including Atal 205, Selab 201 and Thunder 203 to get ready for similar actions against Pakistani forces and to equip Afghan troops who are stationed along the Durand Line, the statement said.
The Afghan Air Force and the special forces were ordered to stay alert for similar actions against Pakistani forces, the statement added.
But Bahir Ahmadi, the spokesman for Kandahar’s governor, said that 15 people were killed in an attack by Pakistani forces on Spin Boldak, adding that women and children are among the victims.
He said the incident happened in Chaman crossing in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar. According to him, the clash continued for some time as the Afghan forces responded to the shelling by the Pakistani forces.
“At least 80 others have been wounded,” he added.
Artillery attacks by Pakistani forces on the eastern and southern parts of Afghanistan have occured for many years. The Pakistani government has denied these attacks.
The National Security Council in a statement said the the Afghan government will follow the issue through relevant channels and will make the required action.
Meanwhile, dozens of Afghans wounded in the attack are being treated at a Kandahar hospital.
Doctors said some of the wounded are children, and some of the wounded are in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses of the incident said that seven members of one family were killed in the attack and a child from the family was wounded and is being treated at Kandahar hospital.
“The attack started in a way that it was against ordinary people.” There were more than 100 people” injured said an eyewitness of the incident.
“I am here to donate blood for the wounded in Kandahar hospital,” said a Kandahar resident.
“At least 80 others have been wounded,” he added.
