According to reports from Afghanistan, during an airstrike by the Afghan army on a location in Kunduz province, where it was suspected that Taliban members had gathered, dozens of people, including several civilians, have been killed. Abdul Hamid Hamidi, a police official, stated that this airstrike took place on April 1st in Dasht-e Archi, one of the districts of Kunduz. Mr. Hamidi mentioned that the Taliban were gathered in the targeted area and were preparing to carry out an operation. The police official of Afghanistan reported at least 15 fatalities. Hamidi, without providing details, said that 'a representative of the Taliban leadership in Pakistan' was present at the time of the attack, and several civilians were among the victims. The Afghan army also stated in a statement that at least 15 Taliban members, including Mullah Baryani, a senior member of the 'Quetta Shura,' were killed. The 'Quetta Shura' is the Taliban leadership council located in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. The Afghan army claims that no civilian citizens were killed in this attack. According to police and army officials, at least 10 others were injured. However, other reports regarding the number of casualties and the location targeted by the airstrike have emerged, which do not closely resemble the official statements from the police and the army. Some witnesses and even local Afghan officials have stated that a mosque or a school, while a ceremony was taking place, was targeted, resulting in dozens of civilians losing their lives or being injured. Mullah Abdullah, a member of the Kunduz provincial council, told the German news agency that 'between 50 to 60 people' were killed in this attack 'which targeted a school.' Mullah Abdullah stated that both Taliban members and civilians were present at the religious graduation ceremony in this school. The Taliban, however, has reported that the death toll is three times higher than this and has even claimed that none of its members were present at the site. A spokesperson for U.S. forces in Afghanistan stated that the United States had no involvement in the airstrike conducted at the location. The attack in Kunduz occurred at a time when the Taliban typically prepares for spring operations and attacks. Almost all of Dasht-e Archi has been under the control of the Taliban since 2015.
Dozens Killed in Afghan Airstrike on Taliban Gathering
An Afghan airstrike targeting a Taliban gathering in Kunduz resulted in dozens of deaths, including civilians. The Afghan army claims only Taliban members were killed, while local reports suggest many civilians were also victims. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the complexities of the conflict in Afghanistan.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
An Afghan airstrike in Kunduz targeted a gathering of Taliban members, resulting in numerous deaths, including civilians. Discrepancies in casualty reports highlight the complexities of the situation.
- The Afghan army claims only Taliban members were killed, while local reports suggest many civilians were also victims.
- The airstrike occurred during a religious graduation ceremony, complicating the narrative around the attack.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Afghanistan has been embroiled in conflict for decades, with the Taliban emerging as a dominant force following the U.S. withdrawal. Civilian casualties in military operations remain a contentious issue.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
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