<p id="article-summary" class="css-1r45aqf evqizr60">Afghan officials said that Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday killed at least 36 civilians and injured more than 160, amid a months-long cross-border conflict. The Afghan Taliban government provided a toll, citing three border provinces. A United Nations mission in Afghanistan confirmed 28 civilian deaths and 49 injuries, warning the numbers could rise. Pakistan acknowledged carrying out the strikes, saying they killed at least 32 militants and included a ground operation before the air assault.</p>
<p>The cross-border fighting has persisted for months along the 1,600-mile border, with Afghan and Pakistani forces engaging in repeated air and ground operations. Pakistan accuses the Taliban government of sheltering militants, while Kabul denies the claims. Efforts at peaceful settlement, including Chinese mediation, have so far stalled.</p>
<p>Sunday’s airstrikes targeted Paktika, Paktia and Kunar provinces. Health officials reported numerous injuries in Paktia, including casualties from a strike on a single building that was hit twice within minutes. A local resident described rescue efforts for the wounded, including a wounded sister pulled from rubble.</p>
<p>Most casualties in the ongoing conflict have been Afghan. Pakistani military actions have focused on military infrastructure and Afghan cities, according to the United Nations mission. The two sides have previously suffered civilian casualties, including a major March attack in Pakistan that UN figures attributed to cross-border violence.</p>
<p>Both governments have seen limited progress toward de-escalation. Discussions involving former ambassadors and nonofficial representatives from both countries in Istanbul and other efforts have produced a peace proposal that envisions disarming some militant groups and resuming trade, though absorbing such a plan into official negotiations remains uncertain.</p>
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